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ICOLUIGK  OF  PHYSICMKS  AND  SURCEONS.] 


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STATE  OFXEWTORK. 


(  105  ) 


rO?.1i:STIC  INTKLLTGENCE. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

Of  the  Origin,  Progress,  and  Present  State  of  the 
College  of  Phvsicians  and  Sdrgeons  of  the  Univbr^ 
81TV,  New-York. 

(With  a  View  of  the  CoUcgir.) 

The  first  attempt  towards  the  formation  of  a  medical 
•cliool  in  the  state  of  New- York  was  made  in  the  year  1767, 
during  tiie  administiation  of  His  Excellency  Sir  Henrf 
MooRE  and  Lieutenant  Governor  CadwalladerColden.* 
Previous  to  this  period,  however,  instruction  had  been  af- 
forded to  the  youth  engaged  in  the  study  of  medicine  in  New- 
York,  and  the  firstf  essay  in  the  United  States,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  imparting  anatomical  knowledge,  was  made  by 
Doctors  John  Bardji  and  Peter  Middleton,§  two  of  the 


*  The  name  of  Cadwalladet"  Coldpn  is  memorable  in  the  provincial  anhals  of* 
this  eountryj  and,  not  the  least  so,  from  the  many  charters  of  incorporation 
granted  during  his  time  for  the  establishment  of  literary  and  benevolent  institd- 
tions.  Himself  an  ardent  and  successful  cultivator  of  science,  he  seems  to  have 
lost  no  opportunity  for  promoting  its  interests  in  the  colonies.  See  Life  of  Golden, 
in  American  Medical  and  Philosophical  Register,  vol.  i.  p.  297 — 306. 

■f-  Hosack's  Sketch  of  tile  Origin  and  Progress  of  the  Medical  Schools  of  New- 
York  and  Philadelphia,  in  Amer.  Med.  and  Phil.  Reg.  vol.  ii.  p.  228. 

\  Dr.  John  Bard  was  born  in  Burlington,  in  liew-Jersey,  February^  1716,  and 
died  at  his  residence,  Hyde  Park,  near  Poughkcepsie,  in  1799.  He  practised  his 
profession  in  the  city  of  New-York  with  great  honour,  and  the  most  distinguished 
Success,  for  more  than  fifty  years,  and  was  the  author  of  an  interesting  accoimt  of 
the  malignaut  pleurisy,  whicli  prevailed  at  liuDtinglon,  Long-Island,  in  the  year 
1710,  besides  souie  otlifi  papers.  Por  further  particulars,  gee  a  Sketch  of  his  Life 
and  Character,  in  the  Amer.  Med.  and  Phil.  Reg.  vol.  i.  p.  01— 07. 

J  Dr.  Middleton  was  one  of  the  very  few  medical  men  of  this  country,  who,  at 
that  early  day,  were  distinguished  equally  fcr  vaiious  and  profound  learuing,  aud 
VOL.  IV.  O 


iOt)  Hinluricat  Skttcli  of  the 

most  distinguished  practitioners  of  this  city.  In  the  follow- 
year,  1768,  the  Medical  School  was  organized,  under  the  di- 
rection and  government  of  the  College  of  the  province,  then 
called  King's  College,  and  a  body  of  professors  appointed  te 
teach  the  several  branches  of  medical  science. 

The  learning  and  abilities  united  in  the  Medical  School  of 
that  day,  were,  in  the  highest  degree,  honourable  to  the  in- 
stitution with  which  they  were  connected.  Dr.  Samdel 
Clossv*  was  chosen  the  Professor  of  Anatomy  ;  Dr.  Johs" 
Jo»^,f  Professor  of  Surgery;  Dr.  Peter  Miudletox, 
Professor  of  Physiology  and  Path^dogy ;  Dr.  James 
Smith,J  Professor  of  Chemistry  and  Materia  Medica  ;  Dr. 
•John  V.  B.  Texnest,  Professor  of  Midwifery ;  and  Dr. 


great  proressional  taleots.  His  Medical  Ditcourse,  or  Historical  Inquiry  ioto  the 
aocieot  and  present  state  of  Medicine,  the  substance  of  which  wa?  delivered  at 
opening  the  Medical  School  of  New-York,  published  in  1769,  ii  an  honourable  tpe- 
ciraen  of  his  talents  aod  attainments.  He  also  wrote  a  letter  on  the  Croup,  ad- 
dressed to  Dr.  Richard  Bayley,  a  copy  of  which  may  be  seen  in  the  Medical  Re- 
pository, vol.  xiv. 

*  Dr.  Samnel  Clo.'jyhad,  previous  to  his  arrival  in  .\mericn,  from  Ireland,  where 
he  was  bom,  attained  a  high  degree  of  eminence  in  the  medical  profession,  boUi  as 
a  practitioner,  and  as  the  author  of  an  interesting  volume  on  Morbid  Anatomy,  en- 
titled, "  Observations  on  some  of  the  Diseases  of  the  Human  Body  ;  chii -fly  takes 
from  the  Dissections  of  Morbid  Bodies,''  published  in  Ix>ndon.  8vo,  1763.  He  was 
aho  a  short  time  before  chosen  to  the  anatomical  chair,  t!ie  professor  of  natural 
philosophy  in  King's  College.  See  the  Life  of  Rev.  Dr.  Cooper,  second  President 
of  King's  College,  in  the.\mer.  Med.  and  Phil.  Reg.  vol.  iii.  p.  2)8 — 301. 

t  Dr.  Jones  was  a  native  of  the  state  of  New -York,  and  bom  at  J-amaica,  Lonj. 
Island,  in  1729.  He  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  in  Philadelphia,  and  com- 
pleted his  education  in  Europe,  where  he  attended  the  lectures  of  Hunter,  M'Ketr 
zie,  and  Pott,  of  London,  and  M.  Petit  and  M.  Le  Dran,  of  Paris.  Hr  was  dc" 
servedly  considpred  anablcteaclier,  and  extended  his  reputation  by  the  publication 
of  a  volume,  entitled,  "  Plain  Remarks  on  IVounds  nnd  Fractures,"''  which  appear- 
ed in  1775.  He  died  in  April,  17ilO,  after  a  most  ufcful  and  honourable  life  devoted 
to  the  advancement  of  his  profcsion.  See  an  .\ccount  of  the  Life  of  John  Joncf, 
M.  D.  in  the  Amer.  Med.  and  Phil.  Reg.  vol   iii.  p.  32J-.333. 

t  The  brother  of  William  Smith,  E?').  'he  hi'torian  of  Ncw-VorV  Hf  died  ia 
*.)Jecit7of^'ew.Y•rk,  in  1812. 


k'ullegc  of  Physicians  aud  SurgeenSy  Nerv-York.    107 

SAMt:EL  Bard,*  Professor  of  the  Theory  and  Prartice  of 
Physic.  I  lectures  on  these  several  branches  of  medicine 
were  regularly  delivered  by  tlie  above-mentioned  gentlemen, 
and  the  Degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  conferred  by  the 
College. I 

About  the  same  time,  in  consequence  of  a  public  address 
delivered  by  Dr.  Samuel  Baud,  at  the  medical  graduation, 
in  1769,  a  very  important  addition  was  made  (o  the  means  of 
medical  education  then  afforded  by  the  establishment  of  the 
New-York  Hospital.  The  necessity  and  usefulness  of  a  pub- 
lic infirmary,  to  use  the  language  of  Dr.  ]MiDDr-ETON,J 
'*  were  so  warmly  and  patiietically  set  forth  in  that  memora- 
ble discourse,"  that,  upon  the  same  day  on  which  it  was  de- 
livered,  a  subscription  was  commenced  by  His  Excellency 
Sir  Henrv  Moore,  and  the  sum  of  eight  hundred  pounds 
•terliug  collected  for  that  establishment.  The  corporation 
of  the  city,  animated  by  the  same  public  spirit  and  active 
benevolence,  in  a  short  time  added  three  thousand  pounds 
sterling  to  the  first  subscription,  when  the  united  amount  was 
employed  in  layingthefoundationof  that  valuable  institution, 
now  the  pride  of  our  city,  and  alike  devoted  to  the  purposes 
of  humanity  and  the  promotion  of  medical  science. § 

The  IMedical  School  of  New-York,  thus  provided  with 
learned  and  able  professors,  promised  to  be  productive  of  tlie 
greatest  advantages;  but  the  revolutionary  \Mr  occasioned 
a  suspension  of  tlieir  labours  ;  the  professors   and  students 


'*  The  prcFcnt  President  ofllie  Colloge  of  Physicians  and  SiirzjMnH,  New-Vorfc. 

f  In  his  valuable  Retrospect  of  the  Eightitentb  Century,  Dr.  B^Br  asserts,  that 
DO  medical  degrees  had  been  conferred  l)y  the  College  previous  totne  revolutionary 
war.  Notwithst/tnding  the  Rpneral  accuracy  of  Dr.  Miller,  lie,  in  thin  ins^tanrc, 
is  mistaken.  A  copy  of  an  Inaugural  Dissertation  ou  the  anthelniiiilic  quality  of 
the  Phastolus  Zuratemis  Sili'jua  hirtuta,  or  Cow-Itch,  for  the  Medical  Doctorate 
ia  King's  College,  by  Saniutl  Kifsam,  M.  B.  and  published  in  May,  1771,  may  fce 
icon  in  the  library  of  tlie  Ncw-Wrk  yietoriral  Society. 

J  Medical  Discoui?c,  p-  €f.  HosarV'sSkctc'h. 


I  OS  Tfiftnrical  Skelch  of  the 

ntvc  scattered,  the  college  converted  by  the  encmj"  into  a 
miiitarj  hospital,  and  the  immediate  design  of  the  whole  ei- 
tablishment  frustrated. 

After  the  peace  of  1783,  the  former  medical  profcsson 
being  separated  by  accident  or  death,  never  as  a  body  were 
reinstated  in  their  former  situation  in  the  College.  In  the 
follouing  year,  exertions  were  made  for  the  revival  of  the 
Medical  School  of  this  city,  and  professorships  created  for 
that  purpose.  The  individuals,  Iwwever,  who  were  appoint' 
cd,  either  declined  giving  instruction  altogether,  or  gave  but 
imperfect  courses,  and  the  establishment  consequently  fell 
io  the  ground. 

King's  College  at  the  close  of  the  war  underwent  con- 
siderable alterations  in  its  government,  and  received  the 
name  of  Columbia  College.  Willia.m  Samuel  JoHifsoN^, 
Esq.  L  L.  D.  son  of  the  first  president,  and  a  gentleman  in 
every  respect  qualified  to  the  station,  was  calfed  to  preside 
over  it.  The  reputation  of  the  College,  as  a  school  of  arts, 
soon  became  deservedly  great,  and  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
under  whose  more  immediate  care  it  was  placed,  laudably 
attempted,  in  the  year  1792,  again  to  connect  a  medical  es- 
tablishment with  it;  thus  forming  two  faculties,  a  faculty  of 
arts  and  another  of  piiysic.  At  the  head  of  the  latter  pre- 
sided, for  some  time,  Samuel  Baro,  31.  D.  as  Dean. 
Among  the  rijbfessors  wlio  were  apj>ointed  to  deliver  lectures 
on  the  different  branches  of  medicine  were  several  gentle- 
men of  acknowledged  talents  and  professional  merit,  and  it 
was  ardenll^hoped  that  the  interests  of  science  in  general 
would  be  Kiptly  promoted  by  their  labours,  and  the  medi- 
cal character  of  the  state  soon  acquire  a  high  and  extensive 
reputation. 

The  exertions  of  the  Trustees  of  Columbia  College  in 
thus  annexing  a  Medical  School  to  that  institution,  were  cer- 
tainly in  the  highest  degree  deserving  commendation ;  and 


Cottegc  of  Fltysuiana  and  SurgtoiiSy  New- York.    10  J 

though  the  beneficial  effects  resulting  from  them  have  been 
but  small  and  limited,  and  fallen  far  shortof  what  was  at  first 
anticipated,  yet  it  would  be  wanting  in  liberality  to  deny, 
that  some  service  bad  been  icudered  the  profession  of  me- 
dicine by  its  establishment.  It  appears  from  tlie  records  of 
Columbia  Colle2;e,  that  since  1792,  the  lime  when  the  medi- 
cal faculty  of  tnat  scliogl  was  organized,  to  the  year  Hill, 
thiiti/fjur  students  have  completed  their  courses  of  siudy, 
and  received  the  medical  honours  of  that  institution ! 

For  reasons  too  obvious  to  need  n;ention  i-n  this  place,  t':e 
Honourable  the  Regents  of  ihe  TJniveraity  of  New-York, 
in  whom  resides  the  exclusive  power  of  instituting  semina- 
ries of  learning,  and  of  superintending  the  interests  of  lite- 
rature and  science  throughout  the  state,  determined  in  1807 
upon  the  establishment  of  a  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons.  The  power  to  exercise  this  authority  had  been 
vested  in  them  as  early  as  1791,  by  an  act  passed  for  that 
special  purpose.*  That  so  many  years  elapsed  before  that 
venerable  body  thought  fit  to  form  an  institution  to  be  exclu- 
sively devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  medical  science,  appears 
to  have  risen  from  the  existence  of  the  Medical  School  at- 
tached to  Columbia  College,  which  it  was  honed  would  have 
superseded  the  necessity  of  another  medical  establishment. 
Accordingly  a  charter  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  Col- 
lege of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  in  the  city  of  New- York 
was  granted,  bearing  date  the  12th  of  March,  1807. 

The  establishment  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons upon  a  broad  foundation,  under  the  patronage  of  the 
Regents  of  the  University,  and  its  sanction  by  the  legiala- 
iure,  were  circumstances  viewed  with  the  greatest  satisfac- 


'  The  title  of  the  act  is  as  follows:  "An  Act  to  onable  the  Resents  of  the 
i  .liveifity  to  establish  a  College  of  [')j/Hi>ia»is  aad  Surgeoui  within  lhi»  state," 
i^-ned  the  24tU  March,  1701. 


no  ilislorkal  Sketch  of  iht  »^ 

lion,  and  afforded  just  cause  of  congratulation  to  th«  friendff 
of  science  throughout  the  slate.  That  the  high  expecta- 
tions wliich  wove  entertained  of  the  !)encfits  that  would  flow 
to  the  comnmnily  from  its  estaljlishment  were  well  founded, 
the  history  of  the  College  during  the  few  years  it  haa  been  in 
operation  presents  the  most  conclusive  evidence. 

Agreeably  to  the  provision  niade  by  the  Charter,  the 
College  was  organized  on  the  first  Tuesday,  the  5th,  of 
May,  1807  ;  when  the  following  officers  were  elected  : 

Nicholas  RoMAyNE,  M.  D.  President. 
Samuel  L.  Mitchill,  M.  1).  Vict  President. 
Archibald  Brcce,  M.  D.  Registrar. 
Abraham  Browkr,  Physician,  Treasurer. 

CENSORS. 
Edward  Miller,  31.  D.  David  Hosack,  M.  D.  Alex- 
akder  Sheldon,  William  Livingston,  William  Jame« 
IM'Neven',  M.  D.  Henry  A^an  Solingen,  M.  D.  Willia.m 
Wheeler,  J.  D.  Gillespie,  J.  E.  R.  Birch,  James  G. 
Graham,  Benjamin  De  Witt,  M.  D.  Felix  Pascalis^ 
and  Alexander  Hosack,  M.  D. 

Tlie  following  Professorships  and  Professors  were  conatr- 
luled  and  appointed  by  the  Regents  of  the  University  : 

Practice  of  Physic,  Edward  Miller,  M.  D. 
Chemistry,  Samuel  L.  Mitchill,  M.  D. 
Botany  and  Materia  Mcdica,  David  Hosack,  M.  D. 
InstitiUcs  of  J>/eJi(;i»e,  Benjamin  Df,  Witt,  M.  D. 

For  the  purpose  of  forming  a  complete  system  of  instruc- 
tion in  the  several  branches  of  Medicine,  the  College  deem- 
ed it  necessary  to  exercise  the  power,  delegated  to  them  by 
charter,  of  appointing  lecturers  on  those  departments  of 
science  which  were  unprovided  with  professors.  They  ac- 
cordingly appointed  Dr.  Nicholas  Romaysf  and  Dr.  John 


College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  New-Y^ork.    1 1 1 

AuGUBTiNE  Smith,  Lecturers  on  Anntomy.,  Dr.  BnNJAMi.v 
De  Witt,  Lecturer  on  Chemistry,*  Dr.  David  Horack, 

Lecturer  on  Surgery  and   Midivifery,  and   Dr.  Edward 
Miller,  Leclurcron  Clinical  Medicine. 

In  order  to  conduct  with  greater  facility  the  various  mi- 
nute details  of  business  in  the  College,  a  Si'natns  Academi- 
cxis  was  organized,  consisting  of  the  President,  Vice  Presi- 
dent, Professors,  Lecturers,  Registrar,  and  Treasurer. 

The  College,  thus  provided  with  Professors  and  Lecturers 
on  all  the  branches  of  medical  science,  procured  a  comuio 
dious  building  situated  in  Robinson-street,  a  central  part  of 
the  city,  where  apartments  were  fitted  up  for  the  accommo^ 
dation  both  of  the  teachers  and  students.  Some  progress 
was  made  in  the  formation  of  an  Anatomical  Museum,  a  Che- 
mical Laboratory,  and  a  Cabinet  of  Minerals.  The  Botanic 
Garden  founded  by  Dr.  Hosack,  the  Professor  of  Botany 
and  Materia  Medica,  was  also  eminently  calculated  for  the 
purpose  of  instruction  in  those  departments  of  knowledge 

On  the  7th  of  November  following,  the  business  of  the 
College  commenced,  and  full  and  satisfactory  courses  of  in« 
struction  were  delivered  on  ail  the  branches  of  medicine,  by 
the  united  labours  of  the  professors  appointed  by  the  Re- 
gents of  the  University,  and  the  Lecturers  chosen  by  the 
College.  In  addition  to  this,  it  is  proper  to  mention,  that  the 
Governors  of  the  New- York  Hospital  made  such  arrange- 
ments with  the  Professor  of  the  Practice  of  Physic  as  en- 
abled him  to  deliver  a  course  of  Clinical  Jjectures  in  that 
extensive  charity  ;  and  that  Dr.  M'Nevev,  a  member  of  the 
College,  and  then  one  of  tlie  Physicians  of  the  New-York 
Alms  House,  gave  to  the  students  of  medicine  a  course  of 


*  In  tUe  absence  of  Dr.  Mitchill,thr  piofps«or  of  this  hrancli,who  liaJ  to  attend 
(during  that  sesrion  at  tbc  geueral  governnieut  as  Seu.Uor  of  the  United  Statef 


Hi  Historical  Sketch  of  the 

• 

Clinical  Instruction  on  the  caHcs  that  occurred  in  that  insti- 
tution. Tlie  industry  w  ith  which  the  teachers  of  the  New 
School  devoted  themselves  to  their  respective  collegiate  du- 
ties was  unremitted;  and  the  ability  ami  succesR  with  which 
they  fulfilled  the  important  stations  assigned  them  was  such, 
that  the  legislature,  at  their  next  session,  in  November  1808, 
made  the  liberal  appropriation  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  for 
the  benefit  of  the  College.  The  whole  number  of  students 
who  resorted  to  the  institution  the  first  year  was  fifty- 
three. 

The  College  being  instituted  on  an  extensive  plan,  and  un 
der  the  immediate  superintendance  of  the  Regents  of  the 
University  and  the  patronage  of  the  state,  the  liberal  grant 
of  the  legislature  enabled  them  to  purchase  a  building,  situ- 
ated in  Pearl-street,  better  accommodated  for  their  purpose, 
and  to  make  such  additions  to  the  institution  as  might  in- 
crease the  advantages  of  instruction  in  the  various  branches 
of  Medical  Science.  During  the  recess  of  the  College,  Dr. 
Smith,  formerly  Lecturer,  wasapprointed  Professor  o(  Ana- 
tomy asd  Surgery,  Dr.  Mitchill,  Professor  of  Natural 
History,  Dr.  De  AVitt,  Professor  of  Chemiatry,  Dr.  IVI'Ne- 
VEN,  Professor  of  Obstetricks  and  the  Diseases  of  Women  and 
Children,  and  the  President,  Professor  of  the  Institutes  of 
Medicine. 

The  second  session  of  the  College  commenced  in  Novem- 
ber, 1808,  and  continued  four  months.  The  Lectures  were 
attended  by  seventy-two  students,  a  greater  number  than  bad 
ever  before  resorted  to  a  similar  institution  for  medical  in- 
struction in  this  city. 

The  principal  improvements  made  in  the  College  the  en- 
suing year,  related  to  the  departments  of  Anatomy  and  Na- 
tural History.  The  Anatomical  Museum  was  considerably  en- 
larged by  many  valuable  preparations,  and  the  Cabinet  of  Na- 
tural History  and  Mineralogy  received  many  additions  illus- 


Vollcireof  Physicians  oiitl  l^urfreons,  Ntiv-York.  113 

Irativc  of  the  geological  coiislilulion  and  mineralogicul  re- 
sources of  tiie  United  Slates.  Dr.  A.  HiiucE  was  elected 
the  Professor  of  Muicrid  Mcdiui  and  jMinerulogy.  Lec- 
tures were  given  on  all  the  branches  of  medical  science  by 
the  several  professors,  and  clinical  practice  at  the  Hospital 
by  Dr.  iMillku.  I^iie  third  session  of  the  ('ollege  was  at- 
tended by  seventy-three  students  from  different  parts  of 
New- York,  and  from  other  states  in  the  union. 

The  success  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons 
during  the  first  three  years  of  their  establishment,  exceeded 
the  most  sanguine  expectations,  and  gave  the  fullest  evidence 
of  the  numerous  advantages  which  the  city  of  New-York 
possesses  for  a  great  medical  school.  Certain  misunderstand- 
ings, however,  iiaving  taken  place  between  the  president  and 
the  professors,  the  rapid  progress  of  the  College  in  its  im- 
portance and  usefulness  received  a  temporary  check,  and  its 
brilliant  prospects  were  for  a  season  overcast.  From  a  want 
of  unanimity  among  the  protessors,  lectures  on  only  some  of 
the  brandies  of  medicine  were  delivered,  and  the  pupils  con- 
sequently were  reduced  to  about  one  third  tiie  former  num- 
ber. 

The  Regents  of  the  University,  upon  receiving  informa- 
tion of  the  dissensions  which  had  arisen  in  the  College,  and 
which  it  was  feared  would  materially  retard  the  advancement 
of  the  institution,  with  the  same  h^udable  zeal  tor  t!ie  promo- 
tion of  medical  science  with  which  they  had  originally  or- 
ganized the  establishment,  immediately  adopted  measures  for 
ascertaining  the  cause  of  the  mischief,  and  for  the  removal 
of  every  impediment  to  its  prosperity.  A  committee,  con- 
sisting of  the  honourable  Chief  Justice  Kent,  Judge  Spen- 
cer, and  .fudge  Smith,  was  appointed  to  inijiiire  into  the 
nature  of  the  misunderstanding,  and  to  report  upon  the  same- 
The  report  was  as  follows  : 

roL.  IV.  r 


114  Jlistorical  Slulch  of  the 

At  a  meetin<r  of  the  Rci^cnls  of  the   Uniixrsih/,  held  jmrsvanl 

to  adjournment,  in  the  Semite  Cliamber,  on  the  fust  if  Jpnl^ 

1811  : 

The  commitlee  to  wliom  was  referre<i  several  papers  relative  to 
the  state  of  tlie  College  ol  Physicians  and  Surgeons  in  the  cily  of 
Neu-York,  report,  that  uiiforlunale  misunderslamlings  have  takeu 
place  between  several  professors  of  that  inslitulion,  which  have  al- 
ready materially  impeded  its  operations,  and  unless  something  ef- 
fectual be  done  by  the  regents,  it  will  become  <legraded  in  the  es- 
timation of  the  public,  and  its  uselulncbs  will  be  inevitably  de- 
stioyed. 

The  committee  have  forborne  to  trace  and  bring  to  light  the  cou- 
duct  of  individuals,  because  iu  their  opinion  it  would  be  both  use- 
less and  invidious. 

Propositions  have  been  made  to  the  committee  to  re-model  the 
institution,  with  a  view  of  rendering  its  operation  more  simple, 
and  of  introducing  into  it  several  of  the  Professors  of  the  Medical 
School  in  Columbia  College,  and  other  eminent  and  distinguished 
individuals:  this  proposition  has  been  viewed  by  the  committee  iu 
the  most  favourable  light,  as  it  may  extinguish  the  feuds  existing 
among  the  present  Professors  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons,  and  as  it  will,  in  all  probability,  be  the  means  of  uniting 
the  two  schools. 

The  latter  appears  an  object  of  the  fust  importance,  in  as  much 
as  it  will  assemble,  in  one  institution,  a  splendi<l  collection  of  me- 
dical and  surgical  talents,  and  as  it  cannot  fail  to  merit  and  re- 
ceive the  patronage  and  encourngement  of  the  legislature. 

It  is  unnecessary  for  the  committee  to  attempt  to  display  the  im- 
portant advantages  to  the  state  which  a  well  organized  Medical 
School  in  the  city  of  JVew-York  must  alTord ;  its  hospital,  and  the 
subjects  furnished  by  the  state  prison,  without  the  violation  of 
law,  present  a  field  for  the  acquisition  of  medical  and  surgical 
knowledge  unrivalled  in  the  United  States,  and  it  is  only  requisite 
to  establish  an  institution,  under  the  fostering  care  of  the  legisla-' 
ture,  in  which  shall  be  united  the  best  talente,  and  to  secure  these 
advantages  to  the  state. 


College  of  Phi/siriajis  mid  SurgeofuSy  Ntw-y'ork.  115 

Under  these  impressions,  the  committee  beg  leave  to  report  au 
alteration  of  the  charter  of  the  Colle^^e  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons, and  to  propose  a  new  list  of  ofTicei-s  and  professors,  wliicli 
alteration  is  as  follows,  to  wit: 

Jiij  the  Rcircnfs  of  the  University  of  tlie  State  of 
New-  York. 

Whkueas  wc  have  reserved  to  ourselves  the  right  to  alter  and 
modify  our  ordinances  for  establishing  a  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons  in  New-York;  llicrcforo, 

Be  it  ordained.  That  all  the  corporate  rights,  privileges,  powers, 
and  immunities  granted  by  us  to  the  said  College  of  Physicians 
and  Surgeons,  to  the  Trustees  or  Members  thereof,  and  to  the  Sena- 
tus  Acadcmicus  and  Censors  thereof,  shall  hereafter  be  exclusively 
vested  in,  and  exercised  by  the  Trustees  of  the  said  College  of 
Physicians  and  Surgeons,  to  be  appointed  from  time  to  time  by  ub 
or  our  successors.  And  the  said  Trustees  shall  do  and  perform  all 
matters  and  things  which  the  said  College  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons, the  Trustees  or  Members  thereof,  and  the  Senatus  Academi- 
cus  and  Censors  thereof,  are  authorized  and  required  to  do  and 
perform. 

Andhc  itfurlhcr  ordained,  Tiiat  the  President,  Vice  President, 
Professors,  and  Treasurer  of  the  said  College,  for  the  time  being, 
and  such  other  persons  as  we,  or  our  successors,  may  hereafter  ap- 
point, shall  be  the  Trustees  of  the  said  College,  provided  the 
wliole  number  of  the  said  trustees  shall  not,  at  any  time,  be  more 
tliaa  twenty-five. 

J/ul  be  it  further  ordained.  That  the  President  or  Vice  Presi- 
dent ,or  any  three  of  the  Trustees,  shall  have  power,  at  any  time, 
to  call  a  meeting  of  the  said  Trustees,  by  giving  at  least  three 
days  previous  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  holding  said  meet- 
ing. And  five  of  the  said  Trustees  (of  which  the  President,  or  in 
his  absence,  the  Vice  President,  shall  be  one)  shall  be  a  quorum  for 
the  transaction  of  business. 

And  be  it  further  ordained,  That  the  Trustees  and  Members  of 
the  said  College,  who  are  not  constituted  Trustees  by  this  supple- 
mentary ciiarter,  shall  be  hereafter  fellows  or  members  thereof,  antl 


1 1 G  Hislo  rira  I  l^rtch  of  tlie 

that  the  Trustees  shall  liavo  power  to  elect  f«'llo\\s  or  members  of 
the  flaia  college,  who  bliall  at  all  timez  have  the  privilege  of  at- 
tending all  the  public  lectures  and  other  courses  of  iDstnictioi),  de- 
livered bj  the  I'mfcsfors  ill  the  said  College;  and  who  bliall  also 
have  the  privilege  of  visiting  and  in5[)ecUDg  the  Anatomical  Mu- 
seum, the  Botanic  Garden,  the  Cabinets  of  Mineralogy  and  Na- 
tural llistor),  and  the  Library  of  the  said  College,  under  such  re- 
gulations as  the  Trustees  shall  prescribe  for  that  purpose. 

And  be  it  further  ordained.  That  reserving  to  ouiv;lv<s  and  our 
successors,  Regents  of  the  Uuivej-gily,  tlie  power  of  makirjg  such 
other  grants  or  ordinances  as  may  be  necessary  or  useful  for  the 
said  College,  we  finally  order,  that  this  ordinance  shall  form  part  of 
the  charter  of  the  said  College  of  Thysicians  and  Surgeons  in  the 
city  of  New- York.  And  we  do  hereby  revoke  aud  annul  such 
parts  of  our  previous  grants  and  ordinances  as  are  contrary  to,  or 
inconsistent  with,  the  present  oidinancc.'' 

The  above  extracts  from  the  procecdiiig  of  the  Regents 
of  the  University,  supersede  the  necessity  of  any  reniarkH 
on  the  subject  to  which  they  relate.  The  changes  proposed 
to  be  made  both  in  the  officers  and  in  the  government  of  the 
College,  were  such  as  manifested  equally  a  regard  to  1  he- 
rights  of  other  establishmenis,  and  the  solicitude  of  the 
Regents  for  the  welfare  of  that  wliicli  they  had  founded  and 
cherished. 

Though  their  laudable  designs  were  for  a  while,  in  a  par- 
tial degree,  protracted,  on  account  of  the  conduct  of  some 
gentlemen,  in  relation  to  the  professorshi{)S  with  which  they 
were  honoured,  yet  such  arrangements  were  adopted  by 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  now  created  according  to  the  new 
Charter,  that  tlie  various  courses  of  instruction  delivered  by 
the  professors  formed  a  complete  system  of  medical  educa- 
tion. 

Upon  the  reorganization  of  tlie  College,  the  following  gen- 
tlemen accepted  the  stations  to  which  they  were  elected  ort 


CoUee^c  of  Physicians  and  Surireons,  Isav-  York.    117 

The   Ist  of  April,   1811,  by  llje  unanimous  resolve  of   llif* 
Honourable  tlie  Rc2;enls  of  the  University: 

Samuki,  Bard,  I\I.  I).  President. 

Benjamin  1)k  ^Vtrx,  M.  D.  i  ire  Pri'<!Jrnf. 

.loiiN  AuGusTiNi;  Smith,  Pn'fessor  nf  Jiuilomy,Svr- 
girt/,  and  Phi/siology. 

David  Hosac k,  M.  D.  Professor  of  the   Theory  and 
Practice  of  Phyair.  and  Clinical  jMedicine. 

William  James  M'Neven,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Che- 
mistry. 

Samuel  L.  Mitchell,  M.  D.   Professor  of  Natural 
History. 

John  D.  Jaques,  Treasurer. 

John  W.  Francis,  Registrar. 
J^uring  the  same  session,  other  measures  particularly  cal- 
eulated  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  New  School  of  Me- 
tlicine  were  adopted.  The  Elgin  Botanic  Garden,  founded 
by  Dr.  IIosack,  in  the  vicinity  of  this  city,  and  which  had 
1)cen  purchased  by  t!ie  legislature  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
moting medical  science,  was  placed  by  them  at  the  disposal 
of  the  Regents.  That  honourabl*^  board  committed  to  the 
Trustees  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  the 
care  of  that  extensive  Botanical  establisliment,  to  be  devoted 
lo  the  use  of  the  College,  for  the  laudable  purpose  contem- 
plated by  the  legislature.  By  thia  arrangement,  tiie  Botanic 
Garden  became  an  important  addition  to  the  State  Medi- 
cal School,  and  affords  more  ample  means  of  instruction  in  a 
highly  interesting  branch  of  education,  thali  are  enjoyed  iii 
any  otiier  Medical  Seminary  in  the  United  States,*     The  le- 


•  The  Elgin  Botanic  Garden  is  situated  about  three  miles  froiii  tlte  city,  ou- 
the  middle  road  between  Bloomingdale  and  Kiogsbrulije.  The  ground,  consist- 
ine  of  tvientj'  acr'^?,  was  purchased  from  tlio  corporation  of  New-Vork,  iti 
1801,  ay  Dr.  David  IIosack,  the  founder  of  tiie  estublishmrut.  The  view,  froui 
the  meet  elevated  part,  is  varic;;atcd  and  extensive,  and  the  sc>il  itself  of  that  d1' 


118  Jlisturicnl  Sketch  of  ilu 

gislalure  also,  during  this  seHsiun,  made  a  furtlier  giant  of 
five  hundred  dolhas  per  annum  for  the  bfencBl  of  the  College. 
The  College  haviiii^  llius  uiulerijone  such  material  altera- 
tions, and  received  such  liberal  aid  from  its  founders  and 
jjatrons,  a  new  list  of  oflScers  being  chosen,  and  its  interniil 
government,  formerly  placed  with  the  Censors  and  f>enatus 
AcadiMuicus,  being  now  vested  in  a  board  of  Trustees  com- 
posed of  the  President,  Vice  President,  Professors,  Treasurer, 
and  other  members  of  the  medical  profession,  elected  le 
the  statio:i,  iliiected  its  attention  with  increased  zeal  to  the 
immediate  object  of  its  establishment. 


versificfl  nature,  as  to  he  parfic.iilnrly  adapted  to  the  ciiltivation  of  a  great  variety^ 
of  vegetable  prodiictio.-is.  Immediately  after  the  purchase,  the  proprietor  liad 
t!ie  grounds  cleared  and  arranged  in  a  manner  the  best  adapted  to  the  different 
kinds  of  vegetable,  and  planted  agreeably  to  the  rao?t  approved  stile  of  ornamen- 
tal gardening.  A  conserva'ory  for  t!ie  more  iiardy  green-house  plants  wa«  also 
built.  As  a  primary  object  in  tliis  cstablislimenl  was  to  eollect  and  cultivate  tlie 
uative  plants  of  this  country,  especially  such  as  possess  medicinal  propertie*, 
lliere  were  in  cultivation  at  the  commencement  of  ISO."!,  near  Cftcen  hundred  species 
of  American  plant?,  b.'sidc  a  considerable  number  of  rare  and  valuable  exotics. 
In  1806,  important  additions  were  made  to  the  collection  of  plant?  from  varitHis 
parts  of  Europe,  and  from  the  East  and  West  Indies.  A  second  building  for  their 
jireservation  was  erected,  and  the  found.-.tion  for  a  third  l.iid,  which  was  completed 
in  the  follo-.ving  year.  In  the  antunm  of  1805  a  Catalngue  of  the  plants  which  had 
been  collected,  and  which  amounted  to  nearly  twotliou«;ind,  was  publijjied  Since 
that  time,  tlie  Botanic  Garden  has  been  greatly  improved.  The  building":,  wbicb 
are  erected  on  the  most  recent  plan  adopted  in  institutions  of  this  kind,  consist  of 
three  large  and  well  constructed  houses,  exhibiting  a  frosit  of  one  hundred  and 
eighty  feet.  The  greater  part  of  the  ground  is  brought  in  a  state  of  high  cultiva- 
tion, and  divided  into  various  compartnients,  calculated  for  the  instruction  of  the 
student  of  Botany  and  Medicine,  Tlie  establishment  is  surrounded  by  a  belt  of 
forest  trees  and  shrubs,  and  these  again  are  enclosed  by  a  stone  wall  two  and  a 
Lalf  feet  in  thickness,  and  seven  feet  in  heigiit.  Upon  the  purth  se  of  the  estab- 
lishment by  the  legislature,  in  !8I0,  the  founder  of  the  garden  published  a  »econd 
edition,  greally  enlnged,  of  the  Catalogue  of  Plants  cultivated  there,  arranged  iu 
alpli.ibctical  order,  and  embracing  the  generic  and  spcci6c  name?  of  Linna>u<,  the 
synonyms  of  various  authors,  the  popidar  appellations  by  which  tliey  are  known, 
&c.  For  a  intire  minute  accoiuit,  sea  a  "  Statetncnt  of  Facts  relative  to  the  eslab- 
luhme^U  tmd  progress  of  the  Elgin  IManic  Garden."  Hortus  Elgineniis.  or  a  C'«- 
titl»eue of  the  PI:mfs,  Ac.  second  edition,  published  ia  18H. 


9olh(ri'  of  PJiysicidiiH  and  Siir^toiHf,  New-Yorlc.     1 10 

The  services  rendered  llic  College,  by  the  lale  incaHiires 
adopted  by  the  Regents  ami  Fjegislature,  30011  became  appa- 
rent. On  the  l.Olh  of  May,  liill,  the  first  Medical  Com- 
mencement in  the  iiistitiilion  was  held,  and  the  degree  of 
Doctor  in  3Iedicine  granted  to  eight  gentlemen,  nlio  had 
previously  nnd<;igoiic  the  necessary  exaniinalioiis  j)rcscribed 
by  its  laws,  and  publicly  defended  their  respective  inaugu- 
ral dissertations.  This  was  a  greater  number  of  degrees  in 
medicine  than  was  ever  before  granted  at  one  time  in  this 
city,  since  the  establishment  of  a  Medical  School  in  New- 
York.  Tiie  honours  of  the  College  were  publicly  conferred 
by  the  President,  Dr.  Samuel  Baud,  In  the  presence  of  thtf 
Chanceller  and  Regents  of  the  University,  the  Trustees  and 
other  ofliccrs  of  the  institution. 

Important  additions  were  made  this  year  to  the  Chemical 
department  of  the  College,  the  laboratory  was  rebuilt,  and 
the  chemical  lecture-room  materially  improved.  The  fifth 
session  of  the  College  commenced  on  the  first  Monday  of 
November,  1811.  The  business  of  the  College  was  opened 
by  an  elegant  and  appropriate  address  from  the  president,'* 
and  the  several  professors  entered  with  becoming  spirit  upon 
the  duties  belonging  to  their  respective  departments.  Tiie 
course  of  Anatomy,  Snrgeri/,  and  Physiology  was  delivered 
by  Professor  John  Augustine  Smith  ;  Chemistry,  both  in 
its  relation  to  medicine  and  the  arts,  was  taught  by  Profes- 
ser  M'Neven  ;  and  the  course  of  instruction  on  the  Theory 
and  Practice  of  Physic  and  Clinical  Metlirine,  and  on  Mid- 
ivijhy  and  the  Diseases  of  Ji'omen  and  Children,  by  Profes- 
sor HosACK.  To  this  last  mentioned  branch,  Professor 
HosACK  had,  a  short  time  previous,  been  appointed  Lecturer 
by  the  Board  of  Trustees.     The  several  branches  of  JSalu- 


*  A  copy  of  this  excellent  production,  rlolivered  by  Dr.  Biird,  may  b:  seen  in 
live  A^mer.Med.  and  Phil.  Reg.  vol.  ii.  p.  3(39—302. 


V2tt  llistoriad  Sketch  of  the 

rill  Hhlory  were  taught  hy  Professor  Mitciiili,  :  the  gco- 
loj^lcal  and  mincraloglcal  parts  of  the  course  were  illustrated 
hy  the  rich  cabinet  of  fossils  attached  to  the  ColU'ge,  and 
the  ilhistrations  in  iiotamj  given  at  the  Slate  Botanic  Garden. 
Lectures  on  the  Malcrla  Medica  were  delivered  by  the 
Vice  President,  Dr.  De  Witt.  TJie  exertions  of  the  Pro- 
fessors in  their  several  branches  of  inslrnction  were  unre- 
mitted, and  deserving  the  highest  commendation  :  the  result 
of  their  labours  was  highly  advantageous  and  satisfactory  to 
their  pupils.  On  the  practice  of  physic  alone,  upwards  of 
one  hundred  lectures  were  given  during  the  session  by  the 
professor  of  that  branrh. 

At  the  commencement  l:cld  on  t!ie  firsl  Tuesday  in  May 
following,  the  time  ap[(ointed,  twenty  gentlemen  received 
from  the  hands  of  the  president  the  degree  of  Doctor  in 
Medicine,  eleven  of  whom  had  been  regular  students  of  the 
institution. 

It  is  iiigiily  gratifying  to  observe  llie  language  iu  which  the 
Regents  of  the  University  expressed  themselves,  when  speak- 
ing of  the  condition  of  the  College  at  this  time  : 

"  They  view  (t^ajs  tlie  commiltee  to  whom  was  referred  the  bu- 
siness of  the  College)  willi  satisfaction  llic  aiivanceincnt  of  the  Col- 
lege to  a  greater  degree  of  prosperity  than  it  has  at  any  time  here- 
tofore enjoyed.  The  names  of  the  students  reported,  as  attending 
the  several  classes,  are  eighty-four  in  number,  which  is  a  flattering 
indication  of  the  continued  progress  of  this  Medical  School.  The 
President  and  Professors  appear  to  have  made  great  exertions  to 
promote  it?  welfare  and  perninnent  success;  and  ilirjr  zeal  for  the 
cullivation  of  me»lica!  science  merits  the  approbalicn  of  the  Re- 
gents. 

"  The  chemical  and  anatomical  profrssorshi[is,  as  they  are  at- 
tended with  much  expense  to  the  incnnibtnts,  deserve,  iu  the 
opinion  of  your  committee,  some  aid  and  support  from  the  Regents ; 
and  ii  is  proposed  that  the  annuity  of  five  hundred  dollais.  lately 


CollefTc  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  New-Y'ork.    121 

granted  by  the  Ic^islaiiirc  for  llie  use  of  llie  college,  should  be  ap« 
propriaied  for  lijis  necessary  and  important  object." 

In  their  annual  report  to  tlie  legislature,  dated  on  the  27th 
of  May,  1812,  they  also  observe: 

"  The  or«:;aiiization  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons 
lias  been  improved,  and  it  now  presents  a  fair  prospect  of  speedily 
rising  to  a  state  of  usefulness  and  celebrity,  such  as  may  be  justly 
expected  from  tlic  importance  of  the  community  in  Mhichit  is  situa- 
ted, and  the  government  under  whose  auspices  it  has  been  erected. 

"  A  gentleman  universally  acknowledged  among  the  first  in  the 
medical  profession  in  America,  has  consented  to  be  placed  at  the 
head  of  it,  and  professors  of  the  best  talents  have  been  procured  to 
deliver  instruction  in  it." 

The  board  of  trustees  of  the  College  could  not  forbear  to 
tender  to  their  professional  brethren  their  congratulations 
upon  the  successful  establishment  of  the  institution,  and  the 
salutary  effects  which  resulted  from  its  re-organization.  This 
they  did  in  their  circular  address  of  September,  1812,  in 
wliicli  they  briefly  stated  the  flourishing  condition  of  the  Col- 
lege, and,  at  tiie  same  time,  announced  the  several  courses  of 
Lectures  intended  to  be  delivered  during  the  ensuing  session. 

The  sixth  session  of  tiie  College  commenced  at  the  usual 
time,  in  November,  1812,  and  complete  courses  of  Lectures 
on  Anatomy f  Surgery,  and  Physiology ;  on  the  Theory  diud 
Practice  of  Physic  and  Clinical  3Iedicine ;  on  Obstetrics, 
and  the  Diseases  of  JVomen  2im\  Children;  and  on  Chemistry, 
were  delivered  by  the  respective  professors  of  these  branches- 
Arrangements  having  been  made  by  the  Professor  of  Natu- 
ral History  fur  delivering  instruction  to  his  class  at  a  differ- 
ent season,  the  Lectures  on  Geology,  Mineralogy,  Botany, 
and  Zoology,  were  given  by  Professor  Mitciiill  in  the  ep' 

VOL.  IX.  Ci 


1 22  nisloricul  Sketch  of  Ih 

suing  spring.     Sixty-one  Lectures  were  «lclivcre(l  bj   th^ 
Professor  of  Natural  History  on  lliese  brandies  of  education. 

On  the  first  Tuesday  iti  May,  ICIIJ,  f!ie degree  of  Doctor 
in  Medicine  was  conferred  on  five  cantlidalcs,  who  liad  com- 
pleted their  education  in  the  College,  and  to  whom  tiie  Re- 
gents of  tiie  Universily  had  granted  that  honour. 

The  preceding  sketcii  contains  a  concise  and  faithful  rela- 
tion of  the  principal  circumstances  connected  with  the  origin 
and  progress  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  burgeons  of 
New-York.  It  was  considered  unnecessary  to  ofTer  a  more 
minute  detail,  as  the  public  at  large  would  feel  little  interest 
in  dwelling  upon  particulars  of  this  kind ;  and  it  was  deemed 
inexpedient  to  bring  to  light  tiie  transactions  of  individuals, 
who,  instigated  by  disappointed  ambition,  or  envious  of  the  con- 
dition of  the  College,  were  not  wanting  in  devising  means  to 
destroy  its  prospects,  or  to  add  to  the  many  difficulties  una- 
voidably connected  with  the  organization  of  an  institution  of 
this  nature.  It  has  always  been  observed,  that  establisliments 
for  the  promotion  of  science,  like  other  associated  bodies, 
have  their  intervals  of  languor  as  well  as  their  periods  of  vi- 
gour and  activity. 

The  College,  having  successfully  encountered  the  evils 
which  it  had  oiiginally  to  conleiid  with,  it  is  believed, 
now  stands  on  a  foundation  too  (irm  to  be  sliaken.  Its 
re-organization  iu  the  year  1811,  by  the  honourable  the 
Regents  of  the  University,  has  proved  as  salutary  in  its  ef- 
fects as  tiie  most  sanguine  could  have  promised.  Though 
three  years  have  not  elapsed  since  that  event,  yet,  so  suc- 
cessfully have  the  labours  of  the  College  been  directed,  tliat 
those  who  have  completed  tiicir  education  under  its  care,  and 
have  received  its  medical  degrees,  nearly  equal,  in  point  of 
number,  all  w!io  before  that  time  had  received  tJje  same 
honour  in  this  stale.  The  Inaugural  Dissertations  published 
by  the  graduates  of  the  University  are  also,  for  the  most 


College  of  Physic  inna  and  Surgeon.s,  Nerv-York.  123 

part,  Iiiglily  honourable  to  llic  <alenls  and  acquirements  of 
their  respective  authors,  :iii(l  rcllert  credit  on  the  institution 
Vvhcnce  tlicy  received  ti.eir  ethuation. 

The  present  (loiirishine;  condition  of  tlie  state  Medical 
School  cannot  but  be  viewed  with  peculiar  satisfaction  by 
every  friend  of  science  and  Jiumanity ;  and  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  moreover,  deeming  themselves  fully  warranted  on 
account  of  the  munificent  patronage  of  the  legislature,  and 
the  laudable  zeal  of  the  Regents  of  the  University,  to  au""- 
ment  tJie  means  of  medical  education  afforded  by  the  Col- 
lege, have  recently  adopted  measures  for  that  purpose.  In 
pursuanceof  tiiis  object,  tliey  have  appropriated  a  considerable 
part  of  their  funds  to  the  purchase  of  ground  as  a  permanent 
situation  for  the  College,  and  are  engaged  in  coriipleting  an 
elegant  and  commodious  edifice,  in  all  respects  commensurate 
with  the  increasing  character  and  impoitance  of  the  institu- 
tion. The  Board  of  Trustees  have  made  such  arrangements 
as  will  secure  tlie  ccmpletion  of  tlie  work  in  due  season,  in 
order  that  tiie  several  professors  may  enter  upon  their  re- 
spective duties  at  tlie  usual  time,  the  first  Monday  in  Novem- 
ber. Additional  provision  has  lately  been  made  to  the  anato- 
mical and  chemical  departments  of  the  College.  It  may  also 
be  proper  here  to  state,  that,  at  the  close  of  the  last  session 
of  the  College,  the  Trustees  appointed  JoiiiV  W.  Francis, 
M.  I).  Lecturer  on  the  Iiislilutes  of  Medicine  and  the  Male- 
ria  ISledicu. 

When  the  advantages  wliich  New-York  possesses  for  a 
great  medical  establis.'inient  are  considered ;  advantages, 
arising  from  its  natural  siUialion;  its  extensive  population, 
now  nearly  equal  to  most  of  tlie  capitals  of  Europe  ;  its  large 
and  well  endowed  hospital  and  other  public  charities  ;  its 
botanic  garden;  its  well  organized  Medical  College,  and 
the  extensive  system  of  education  which  it  embraces;  and 
when  it  is  further  considered,  that  thcsc  advantages  are  iur 


^24  Hiaturical  Htkctch  of  thf 

creased  by  the  munificent  patronage  of  llic  slate,  it  is  not  too 
much  to  say,  that,  in  the  means  of  instruction,  the  College  of 
Physicians  and  Surgeons  is  second  to  no  similar  institution  in 
the  United  States. 

Officers,  Sec.  of  the  College  of  Physicians  und   Sir- 
GEONs  of  the  Uiiivirsitij  of  the  State  of  New-Yorky  liilli. 

Samuel  Bard,  M.  D.  President. 
Benjamin  De  Witt,  M.  D-  Vice  President. 

John  Augustine  Smith,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Anatomy, 
Surgeri/y  and  Physiology. 

David  Hosack,  M.  D.  Professor  of  the  Theory  und  Prac- 
tice of  Physic  and  Clinical  Medicine,  and  Lecturer  on 
Midwifery  and  the  Diseases  of  Women  and  Children. 

William  James  M'Neven,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Chemistry. 

Samuel  L.  Mitchill,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Natural  History. 

John  W.  Francis,  M.  D.  Lecturer  on  the  bistitutes  of  Me- 
dicine and  the  Materia  Medica. 

trustees. 
Samuel  Bard,  John  D.  JAquEs, 

Benjamin  De  Witt,  Thomas  Auuis  Emmet, 

John  Augustine  Smith,  Joseph  Bloodgood, 

David  Hosack,  Andrew  Hunt, 

William  James  M'Neven,     Andreav  Morton, 
Samuel  L.  Mitchill,  Lyman  Spalding, 

Hugh  AVilliamson. 

John  D.  Ja^uep,  Treasurer. 
John  "\y.  Francis,  Registrar 


i.'ullco'c  of  J^hi/siciojiK  and  Si(ri>;eo)is,  New-York.    12.'i 

{^vi,i.  \iu'8  of  Ihr  Sf.vkkv I,  Courses  of  liVxrvRF.a  delivered 
in  the  Colmof;   (f  ['uyskianh  mnl   S(  hcro.n.s,  jS'rv 
York. 

,ANATO-MV,  St'RCFr.V,   AM)   ntVSIOLOGY. 

Tlic  Lectures  on  AnaUnuij,  Siirgerij,  ami  P/n/.s/o/og"?/,  are 
embraced  in  one  course,  and  arc  delivered  by  Professor 
JoiiN  Augustine  Smith,  M.  D.  The  objects  of  Dr. 
Smith's  labours  are,  consequently,  threefold  ;  to  illustrate 
the  anatomy  of  the  human  body,  to  present  such  physiolo- 
gical views  of  each  part  as  necessarily  arise  from  consider- 
ing its  peculiar  nature  and  functions,  and  thence  to  make  a 
pointed  application  of  this  knowledge  to  the  important  du- 
ties of  the  surgeon.  Tliis  latter  object  is  always  regarded  by 
the  professor  as  one  of  primary  consideration,  and  he,  there- 
fore, enters  upon  the  duties  belonging  to  his  department,  by 
pointing  out  the  value  and  necessity  of  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  principles  of  surgery,  the  means  by  which  that 
science  is  to  be  acquired,  and  the  mode  in  which  it  is  to  be 
practised,  both  as  it  regards  the  surgeon  himself,  his  fellow 
practitioners,  and  tlie  community  at  large.  Tlie  professor 
next  takes  up  the  consideration  of  life,  its  essential  prin- 
( iplc,  as  it  has  been  called,  and  the  plienomena  by  which  it  is 
characterized,  particularly  in  the  different  classes  of  animals 
and  vegetables.  The  laws  which  govern  animate  matter,  and 
the  various  opinions  which  have  been  entertained  relative  to 
it,  are  stated  and  examined.  Upon  this  subject,  every  argu- 
nient  is  produced  which  tends  to  prove  the  existence  of  a 
distinct  vital  principle.  To  tiiis  naturally  succeeds  obser- 
vations upon  death,  an  examination  into  the  character  of 
inorganic  matter,  or  matter  deprived  of  animation,  the  vari- 


I 


12JJ  Ilislorical  Sketch  ofihr 

ous  causes  by  wlii«;Ji  tlealli  is  {»roilucc(l,  antl  the  effects  rc- 
■siiltiHg  llierelVom. 

As  llie  continuance  of  existence  appears  to  depend  more 
injniediutely  upon  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  tl>an  upon 
any  other  process  of  the  animal  economy,  Professor  Smith 
next  enters  upon  a  consideration  of  the  manner  in  which 
tiiis  fluid  is  formed,  lie  stales  the  several  opinions  which 
have  been  maintained  concerning  it,  and  details  its  sensible 
and  chemical  qualities  as  afTorded  by  the  latest  experiments. 
The  importance  of  this  fluid  is  still  further  evinced,  when 
the  professor  points  out  its  relation  to  secrelioji,  and  ex- 
amines the  various  substances  formed  from  it. 

Doctor  Smith  next  enters  upon  the  consideration  of  ^oiif, 
as  one  of  the  substances  produced  from  the  blood  :  its  for- 
mation and  growth,  its  structure  and  peculiar  character,  are 
related :  the  individual  bones  are  then  described,  with  their 
connections  and  particular  uses.  After  the  bones,  the 
muscles  are  next  demonstrated  :  their  peculiar  organization 
is  unfolded,  and  the  nature  of  muscular  motion  explained 
from  the  phenomena  which  it  exhibits.  "What  is  usually 
denominated  th.e  vascular  system,  is  then  treated  of:  the 
great  importance  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of  tlie  arte- 
ries being  universally  admitted,  the  professor  minutely  il- 
iusLiates  the  structure  and  course  of  the  blood  vessels.  The 
process  of  d'vreslion  and  assimilation  (including  the  anato- 
my of  the  chylopoidic  and  other  viscera)  is  next  taken  up, 
and  this  part  of  anatomical  instruction  concluded  with  a 
view  of  the  hjuijthalic  and  (tbsurbent  systems. 

Professor  Smith  next  commences  with  a  view  of  the  or- 
gans of  sense ;  having  demonstrated  the  structure  of  the 
brain  according  to  the  manner  adopted  by  the  English,  he 
proceeds  to  illustrate  the  anatomy  of  this  organ  agreeably 
lothe  improved  method  of  the  French.  In  his  examination 
of  the  nervous  system,  Doctor  Smith  endeavours,  as  far  as 


College  of  Phfjsieians  and  Surgeons,  Nen-Yorlc.    127 

rune  will  perniit,  to  make  iiis  hearers  acquainted  with  the 
moat  iinjjorlaiit  facts  which  have  been  brought  to  hght  from 
the  researches  of  j)!iilosoj)!icrs  on  this  sul)ject. 

In  exjihjiiiiiig  the  struclurc  aiul  functions  of  every  part  of 
the  body,  lo  the  advantages  afforded  by  oral  instruction  are 
added  those  wliich  maybe  derived  from  a  large  collection  of 
anatomical  preparations  and  fiom  dissections.  The  profes- 
sor also  frequently  avails  himself  of  the  aid  aftbrded  by  com- 
parative  anatomy,  in  order  to  illustrate  particular  subjects, 
and  occasionally  has  recourse  to  preserved  specimens  of 
diseased  parts  for  the  purpose  of  more  accurately  unfolding 
the  changes  effected  by  morbid  action. 

From  what  has  been  already  said,  it  will  be  understood  tliat 
anatomy  and  physiology  are  intimately  blended ;  the  latter 
being  deduced  from  tiie  former.  In  like  manner,  the  profes- 
sor, while  demonstrating  the  structure  of  a  part,  keeps  con- 
stantly in  view  its  functions,  the  diseases  to  wliich  it  is  liable, 
and  the  operations  and  remedies  they  may  require. 

Correct  anatomical  knowledge  being  the  basis  of  surgery, 
the  professor  dwells  willi  minuteness  upon  those  parts  espe- 
cially in  which  the  skill  of  tlie  surgeon  is  most  required: 
Thus  the  anatomy  and  structure  of  the  part  is  first  particu- 
larly unfolded  ;  the  nature  and  seat  of  the  diseases  to  whick 
it  is  exjiosed  explained ;  ample  directions  given  for  the 
manlier  of  conducting  the  operation  required;  and  the  prin- 
ciples of  surgery  still  further  exemplified  by  performing 
the  operation  in  the  presence  of  the  class  upon  the  dead 
body.  The  professor  treats  at  length  all  those  subjects 
which  claim  the  attention  of  the  naval  and  military  surgeon. 

This  course  of  Lectures  commences  on  the  first  iMonday 
of  November,  and  continues  d:tilt/  for  four  months. 


J;3J!  Ihshrical  Sketch  0/  the 


THEORy  AND  rHACTICE  OF  PHT81C  AXD  CLINICAL  MEDICINE^ 

The  Theorij  aud  Practice  o^  Ph/sic  and  Clinical  Mioi- 
cine,  are  delivered  in  the  same  course  of  Lectures,  by  Da- 
vid liosACK,  M.  D.  the  Professor  of  those  brandies. 

Introductory  to  the  practical  subjects  which  this  course 
embraces,  and  for  the  benefit  of  those  pupils  who  may  be 
commencing,  or  may  have  recently  entered  upon  the  study 
of  medicine,  Dr.  IfosAcic  commences  by  exhibiting  a  com- 
pendious view  of  the  structure  of  tlie  human  body  ;  more 
especially  directing  the  attention  of  his  pupils  to  the  various 
functions  it  performs  in  a  state  of  health,  including  those  ap- 
pertaining fo  the  mind  as  well  as  the  body. 

In  this  view,  particular  attention  is  given  to  those  func- 
tions which  physiologists  have  denominated  the  natural  func- 
tions  of  the  system.  Under  this  head,  the  various  excre- 
tions, both  as  regards  their  influence  in  health,  as  well  as  the 
changes  they  undergo  by  disease,  receive  that  attentioa 
which  their  importance  demands. 

Tiie  causes  of  disease,  whether  inherent  in  the  system,  or 
produced  by  the  operation  of  external  agents,  are  next  enu- 
merated. 

The  influence  of  climate,  soil,  food,  sleep,  cloathing,  ex- 
ercise, botJi  mental  and  bodily,  the  passions  of  the  mind, 
the  functions  peculiar  to  the  different  sexes,  the  various 
trades  and  occupations  of  life,  in  as  far  as  they  are  either  di- 
rectly or  indirectly  the  sources  of  disease,  are  severally  no- 
ticed in  this  part  of  the  course  :  as  the  subject  of  climate 
embraces  circumstances  equally  interesting  to  the  philoso- 
pher and  physician,  particular  attention  is  given  to  the  in- 
fluence which  it  exerts  upon  the  bodily  and  intellectual 
powers  of  man.  In  connection  with  this  discussion,  due  re- 
gard is  also  paid  to  the  sensible  and  adventitious  qualities  of 


College  of  Physicidns  and  Surgeons,  New-York,  ISld 

the  atmosphere,  and  their  agency  in  the  production  of  en- 
demic and  epidemic  disorders.  Dr.  IIosack  next  iiiquirel 
how  far  the  functions  of  the  conalitution  pofesess  in  Ihern* 
Reives  the  power  of  removing  diseasee,  as  aacribed  to  thcna 
by  most  of  the  ancient  and  by  some  modern  physicians  ;  and 
concludes  the  preliminary  part  of  the  course  with  an  outline 
of  tJjat  preparatory  knowledge  whicii  it  is  necessary  for  the 
physician  to  possess  wLeu  lie  appiuacLes  the  bedside  of  the 
eick.  H 

He  next  proceeds  to  a  description  otthe  various  diseased 
to  which  the  iiuman  frame  is  exposed,  arranging  the  whole  irt 
sucli  manner  as  he  conceives  best  calculated  to  assist  the 
student  in  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  the  characters  of  each> 
the  causes  wiiich  produce  them,  and  the  means  to  be  employ-^ 
ed  for  their  prevention  and  cure.  With  this  view,  Dr*  Hd" 
BACK  distributes  diseases  into  the  eight  following  classes  : 

1 .  Fehres,  (Fevers)  embracing  the  various  forma  of 

Intermitting, 
Remitting,  and 
Continued  Fevers. 

2.  Phlcginasic£i  (Inflammationa)  containing  all  diseases  ot  , 
an  inflammatory  nature. 

3.  Cutane'i,  (diseases  of  the  skin)  in  which  all  the  cutaDC- 
dus  diseases  are  arranged  agreeably  to  the  orders  adopted  by 
Dr.  VVillan. 

4.  Projluvid,  (discharges)  including  all  hemorrhages,  afl 
well  as  the  morbid  discharges  which  take  place  from  the  ex- 
cretory organs  of  the  system. 

5.  Supprcssioncs,  (suppressions)  or  those  diseases  which 
consist  in  a  suppression  or  diminution  of  the  natui^l  evacua^ 
lions. 

6.  Neuroses,  (nervous  diseases)  embracing  all  those  Whicli 
more  especially  reside  in  the  nervous  system,  including  thf 
various  diseases  of  the  mind  aa  well  as  those  of  the  bodv. 

TOfc.  IT.  H 


liSa  Historical  Sketch  of  the 

7  Cacftexia,  (vitiations)  the  diseases  more  peculiarif  ari- 
sing from  a  morbid  condition  of  the  fluids  of  the  system  ; 
including  those  which  ari^ie  from  their  redundance  either 
general  or  partial,  as  the  various  forms  of  dropsy,  and  those 
disorders  which  proceed  from  a  vitiated  state  of  the  circu- 
lating mass. 

8.  Locales,  (local  diseases)  containing  tumours,  disloca- 
tions, wounds,  ulcers,  and  other  diseases  usually  denominated 
local. "^  ^ 

Having  p'ointed  out  the  objects  and  advantages  of  thb  no- 
sological arrangement,  the  professor  proceeds  to  delineate 
the  various  diseases  which  it  comprehends. 

Tiie  subject  of  fevers,  which  fall  under  the  daily  observa- 
tion of  every  practitioner,  and  which  derives  peculiar  im- 
portance from  the  epidemics  with  which  the  United  Statei 
bave  been  visited  since  the  year  1791,  receives  especial  no- 
tice in  tliis  course. 

When  describing  the  treatment  of  diseases,  Dr.  Hosack 
not  only  minutely  details  the  remedies  to  be  prescribed, 
their  mode  of  operation,  and  the  diflereut  stages  in  which 
.  they  are  severally  indicated,  but  the  diet  and  regimen  of  the 
sick,  including  all  those  circumstances  which  have  an  influ- 
ence upon  the  character  of  diseases  and  which  it  is  equally 
the  duty  of  the  physician  to  direct,  are  also  embraced  i» 
this  course  of  Lectures^ 

MIDWIFERy  AND  THE  DISEASES  OF  WOMEN  AKD  CHILDREN. 

This  course,  as  taught  in  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons,  not  only  embraces  the  delivery  of  women  in  child- 
bed, but  comprehends  the  diseases  peculiar  to  pregnancy. 


*  For  a  view  of  the  details  of  Dr.  Hosack'a  cla?siGcaUon,  see  the  .Vmcr.  Med. 
and  Phil.  Reg.  vol.  ii.  p.  270.  Its  advantages  will,  on  a  future  occastOD,  be  pointed 
out  by  the  author  iu  a  more  eatcusive  work  on  this  subject.  , 


College  of  PhyaicUms  and  fHiirgcons,  Netv-York.  181 

those  attendant  upon  parturition,  those  which  succeed  to  de- 
livery connected  withthe  puerperal  stale,  and  the  diseases  of 
early  infancy,  especially  those  which  occur  durint;  the  month. 
Tlic  lectines  on  tljis  important  branch  of  medical  education, 
are  also  delivered  (at  a  separate  hour)  by  tlie  Professor  of  the 
TJieory  and  Practice  of  Physic. 

Dr.  HosACK  commences  this  course  with  a  description  of 
the  bones  of  the  pelvis,  noticing  their  form,  situation,  di- 
mensions, connexions  with  each  other,  and  the  other  parts 
of  the  body,  including  a  comparative  view  of  the  dimen- 
sions and  structure  of  the  head  of  the  foetus  ;  at  the  same 
time  illustrating,  by  an  extensive  collection  of  preparations, 
the  various  deformities  of  the  pelvis,  and  their  elTects  upon 
labour.  He  next  proceeds  to  a  description  of  the  soft  parts 
connected  with  the  pelvis,  pointing  out  their  structure,  re- 
lative sllualion,  connexion,  the  changes  which  take  place  in 
consequence  of  pregnancy,  the  vessels  which  supply  them 
and  the  nerves  which  are  distributed  upon  them,  necessary 
to  be  known  to  the  accoucheur. 

Having  described  the  anatomical  structure  both  of  the  ex- 
ternal and  internal  organs  of  generation,  he  notices  their  va- 
rious functions,  tlie  diseases  to  which  they  are  liable,  and 
the  treatment  they  severally  demand.  The  numerous  dis- 
eases connected  with  menstruation,  are  particularly  treated 
of  in  this  part  of  the  course. 

The  gravid  uterus,  dtibracing  a  view  of  the  changes  indu- 
ced by  impregnation  ;  the  signs  of  conception  ;  the  structure 
and  growth  of  the  ovum  ;  the  circulation  of  the  foetus,  and 
that  which  takes  place  between  the  mother  and  child,  comes 
next  under  consideration.  The  changes  produced  in  the 
system  by  pregnancy,  the  diseases  attendant  upon  it,  and 
their  mode  of  treatment,  including  the  premature  expulsion 
of  the  foetus,  and  the  treatment  of  those  accidents  which  arcj 
frequently  attendant  upon  abortion,  are  then  fully  detailed 


133  Historicnl  Sketch  of  the 

In  the  second  part  of  the  course,  the  premonitory  sign* 
of  labour,  tlie  chiu)ges  which  lake  jMace  during  the  procesB 
of  parturition,  and  Die  diseases  it  occasionally  produces,  are 
next  enumerated. 

Tlie  several  stages  and  progress  of  a  natural  labour ;  the 
different  classes  of  labours,  tlie  characteristic  symptom! 
of  each,  and  their  peculiar  treatment,  are  then  minutely  de- 
scribed and  illustrated  upon  the  machine. 

The  regimen,  or  management  of  women  in  child-bed,  the 
diseases  which  are  frequently  attendant  upon,  or  succeed  to 
parturition,  and  the  diseases  of  the  new-boro  infant,  consti- 
tute the  third  part  of  tlie  course. 

The  pupils  are  then  referred  to  the  New-York  Lying-in 
Hospital,  and  the  Lying-in  Ward  of  the  Aims-House,  where 
they  enjoy  abundant  opj)ortunities  of  exemplifying,  at  the 
bed-side,  the  principles  they  may  have  acquired. 

The  Lectures  on  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Physic  are 
delivered  daily  throughout  the  session,  and  those  on  Mid- 
wifery, at  a  separate  hour,  three  times  a  week. 

CHEMISTRY. 

The  Course  of  Lectures  on  Chemistry  is  delivered  by 
Trofessor  AVilliam  James  M'Neven,  M.  D. 

Chemistry  may  be  taug!it  either  by  proceeding  from  tho 
consideration  of  simple  bodies  to  that  of  the  combinations 
which  they  form,  or  else  by  deducing  analytically,  from  the 
compound  body,  the  more  simple  elements  of  which  it  coa9 
Bists.  Tiie  former  of  those  methods  has  been  g-^nerally  pre- 
ferred from  tlie  time  that  so  many  simple  substances  were 
developed  by  means  of  the  modern  imj)rovements  in  thi» 
science.  It  is  al^o  the  method  followed  by  the  professor  of 
this  colleget 


College  of  Physicians  and  !9iirgeons,  New-York.    135 

If  compound  bodies  be  first  preaenled  to  llie  examination 
of  the  learner,  his  progress  is  continually  interrupted  by  iiid 
ignorance  of  all  tlieir  coiistiliicnt  principles,  on  which,  how- 
ever, their  mutual  action  and  phenomena  depend.  But  such 
of  them  as  have  not  been  decomposed  are,  according  to  the 
just  logic  of  chemistry,  to  be  deemed  elementary  for  tiie  pre- 
sent ;  and,  in  the  stage  to  which  it  is  now  advanced,  a  clear 
and  accurate  demonstration  of  their  properties  necessarily 
forms  the  basis  of  the  science.  By  considering  these  pro- 
perties, first  separately,  and  next  in  combination,  a  know- 
ledge is  acquired  of  the  most  complicated  phenomena,  not 
only  with  most  facility  and  precision,  but  also  with  the  ad- 
vantage of  having  constantly  in  our  view  the  effects  of  pro- 
portion and  temperature,  those  predominating  agents  of  all 
chemical  changes. 

Influenced,  doubtless,  by  such  considerations,  the  profes- 
sor of  chemistry  first  deems  it  'proper  to  point  out  the  ac* 
tive  powers  impressed  generally  upon  matter,  and  then  dis- 
criminates and  exemplifies  the  nature  of  chemical  action. 
The  laws  of  affinity  are  followed  by  those  of  repulsion,  and 
the  forms  of  this  power  in  electricity,  galvanism,  caloric, 
light,  receive  all  the  consideration  necessary  for  demonstrat-. 
ing  its  most  important  phenomena  during  the  production  of 
chemical  combinations. 

The  most  simple  confineable  substance,  and  at  the  same 
time  the  most  powerful  chemical  agent,  comes  next  under 
examination,  and  the  student  is  made  acquainted  with  oxygen. 
Conformably  to  the  mode  adopted  in  this  course,  are  first 
shown  the  combinations  of  oxygen  with  simple  inflammable 
substances,  the  newly-discovered  metals  being  selected  for 
the  first  examj)le.  The  metals  have  a  primary  interest  for 
the  persons  who  chiefly  frequent  those  lectures,  and  at  the 
s>ame  time  this  subject  connects  the  finest  discoveries  of  the 
Rjodcrni  with  the  njost  improved  part  of  ancient  chemistry. 


1 34  nistorical  Sketch  of  the 

But  a  principal  motive  with  llic  professor  for  the  early  intr«T 
duction  of  this  part  of  the  matter  of  liis  lectures,  and  the 
adoption  of  Uiis  arrangement,  arises  from  its  reserving  a  great 
portion  of  the  inlerest  of  pneumatic  experiments  to  be  dif- 
fused over  the  remoter  parts  of  his  course,  when,  perhaps 
the  application  of  his  auditors  begins  to  slacken,  and  thej 
have  most  need  of  being  amused  while  they  are  instructed. 

The  consideration  of  the  newly-discoveied  nietah  neces- 
sarily brings  on  that  of  the  alkalis  and  earths,  but  though  it 
is  shown  that  these  are  metallic  oxydes,  yet  since  they  have 
strong  peculiarilies,  and  are  extremely  active  in  their  chemi- 
cal agencies,  it  is  thought  advisable  to  preserve  in  some  naea- 
sure  the  ancient  distinction,  and  consider  ihem  as  a  separate 
order  in  their  power  of  neutralizing  acids,  and  forming  saline 
compounds. 

Ammonia  is  connected  with  the  metallic  oxydes  by  con- 
taining oxygen,  and  is  strictly  connected  with  the  alkalis  by 
itS  properties  ;  at  tiie  same  time  that,  from  the  nature  of 
its  compound  base,  it  introduces  the  consideration  of  other 
simple  substances.  These  are  nitrogen  and  hydrogen,  of 
which  the  examination  naturally  succeeds. 

The  union  of  oxygen  with  nitrogen  forms  atmospheric  air, 
of  which  the  chemical  and  physical  properties  are  now  inves- 
tigated. A  varied  proportion  of  the  same  elements  pro- 
duces other  important  combinations,  sucli  as  the  nitrous  ox- 
yde  and  the  nitric  acid.  Sec.  The  constituent  principles  of 
the  metallic,  alkaline,  and  earthy  nitrates  having  been  iii- 
therto  examined,  the  combinations  themselves  are  at  this  pe- 
riod easily  understood. 

The  union  of  oxygen  w^ith  hydrogen  forms  water,  and  wa- 
ter is  again  resolved  into  its  elements  by  various  processes 
of  nature  and  art.  These  important  phenomena  are  de- 
tailed ;  the  nature  of  congelation,  fluidity,  vaporization,  and 
latent  heat  is  then  fully  developed.        * 


College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  New- York.    ISO 

The  union  of  oxygen  with  c^rbone,  sulphur,  pliospho- 
rus,  ice.  is  productive  of  an  highly  important  class  of  acids, 
«iid  these  enter  into  an  ecjiially  ifnportaiit  order  of  combina- 
tions.    Ti/ey  now  find  their  place  in  a  connected  series. 

After  those  acids  of  well  known  composition  are  placed 
the  muriatic,  tiie  fluoric,  and  boracic  acids,  on  the  constitu- 
tion of  which  tliere  hang  as  yet  some  doubts  and  uncertainty. 
But  in  all  cases  their  combination  with  the  substances  alrea- 
dy known  is  exiiibited  to  the  student. 

The  chemical  physiology  of  vegetables  opens  a  different, 
a  new,  and  a  very  interesting  field,  as  well  to  the  philosophi- 
cal chemist  as  to  the  student  of  medicine.  In  this,  which 
may  be  called  tiie  second  part  of  the  course,  their  proximate 
principles  and  combinations  are  duly  considered. 

The  examination  of  animal  substances  is  reserved  to  the 
latter  part  of  these  lectures.  It  takes  up  the  varieties  of 
animal  matter,  their  chemical  properties  and  combinations: 
It  treats  of  those  animal  functions  which  may  be  illustrated 
by  chemistry,  and  it  concludes  with  the  spontaneous  changes 
which  animal  bodies  undergo. 

% 

OF  THE  GENERAL  AGENTS  OF  CHEMICAL    ACTION. 

Of  Chemical  Attraction,  and  the  Laws  of  Chemical 
Changes. 

Of  Repulsion. — Electrical  repulsion  and  attraction,  and 
their  relation  to  chemical  changes  ;  galvanic  repulsion  and 
attraction,  and  their  relation  to  chemical  changes  ;  calorific 
repulsion ;  temperature  and  tlie  instruments  for  measuring 
it ;  expansion  by  caloric ;  specific  caloric  of  bodies ;  quan- 
tity of  caloric  evolved  by  combustion ;  the  motion  and  com- 
munication of  caloric;  the  temperature  of  the  atmosphere. 

Oj  LiglU,  and  its  operation  in  producing  cheroical 
thanjres. 


i  36  Historical  Sketch  of  the 

Of  Oxygen,  and  its  combination  nith  simple  inftamma- 
lie  Lu(li(.<. —  1st.   With  the  mftals  that  produce  alkalis. 

With  Potassium. — Melliodd  of  obtaining  potassium ;  pro- 
perties of  potassium  ;  faydrat  of  potassa ;  subcarbonate  of  po- 
tassa ;  methods  of  obtaining  the  hydrat  and  subcarbonate ;  ex- 
perimental proofs  of  the  properties  of  potassium  and  polasia. 

If'ith  Sodivm. — Methods  of  obtaining  sodium  ;  properties 
of  sodium  ;  pure  soda ;  hydrat  of  soda  ;  oxyde  of  sodium  ; 
■ubcarbonate  of  soda  and  their  properties. 

2d.  The  combination  of  oxygen  nilh  the  metals  that pro^ 
iuce  alkaline  earths. 

Tf'ilh  Barium. — Metlicds  of  obtaining  barium  ;  baryta  and 
hydrat  of  baiyla;  methods  of  obtaining  hydrat  of  baryta; 
•alts of  baryta;  bary tic  mixtures. 

U'ilh  Calcium. — 3Ietliods  of  obtaining  calcium  ;  proper- 
ties of  calcia  and  liydrat  of  calcia;  causticliy  ;  preparation 
of  mortar  and  cements;  calcareous  mixtures. 

With  Magnesium.-^yieiiiod  of  obtaining  magnesia  ;  pro- 
perties of  magnesia :  salts  of  magnesia  ;  magnesian  mixtuies. 

With  Aluminum. — Method  of  obtaining  alumina  ;  proper- 
ties of  alumina;  gems,  pottery,  porcelain,  chinawail ;  ala- 
minoiis  mixtures. 

With  Silicum. — 3Iethod  of  obtaining  silica  ;  properties  of 
silica  ;  glass  ;  silicious  misturei. 

With  Strontium. 

With  Zircaniunu 

With  Ittrium. 

With  Glncinum. 

3d.  Of  tiie  combinaiion  of  oxygen  with  the  mdals  thtU. 
produce  oxydes. 

Oxyde  of  Manganese,  gray,  black. — Mineralogical  history 
of  manganese ;  analysis  of  the  ores  of  manganese ;  pqjper- 
ties  and  uses  of  the  oxyde  of  manganese ;  method  of  ob- 
taining manganeie. 


College  of  Phi/.ficians  and  burgeons,  New-York.  137 

Oxyde  of  Zinc^  co/a^nme.— Miueralogical  history  ortinc  j 
analysis  of  ores  of  zinc  ;  methods  of  obtaining  zinc;  proper- 
ties and  economic  uses  of  zinc  ;  medicinal  uses  of  the  oxyde 
and  salts  of  zinc. 

Oxjide  of  Tin,  tinstone,  wood-tin  ore. — Mineralogical  his- 
tory of  tin  ;  analysis  of  ores  of  tin  ;  method  of  obtaining 
tin  ;  properties  and  economic  uses  of  tin  ;  medicinal  uses  of 
tin. 

Oxyde  of  Iron  ;  magnetic  iron  stone,  magnetical  pyrileSf 
loadstone,  specular  iron  ore,  hematites. — Mineralogical  histo- 
ry of  iron ;  sulphurets  of  iron  ;  carburets  of  iron ;  argilla- 
ceous ^ron  ores  ;  analysis  of  ores  of  iron  ;  properties  of  iron ; 
properties  of  steel ;  method  of  converting  iron  into  steel ; 
economic  uses  of  iron  and  steel  ;  medicinal  uses  aad  prepara- 
tions of  iron. 

Oxyde  of  Copper,  mountain  blue. — Mineralogical  history 
of  copper  ;  analysis  of  ores  of  copper ;  properties  of  cop- 
per; economic  uses  of  copper;  medicinal  preparations  and 
salts  of  copper. 

Oxyde  of  Lead,  red-lead  ore. — Mineralogical  history  of 
lead ;  analysis  of  ores  of  lead  ;  method  of  obtaining  lead ; 
properties  of  lead  ;  medicinal  preparations  of  lead. 

Oxyde  of  Antimony,  the  gray  ore. — Mineralogical  history 
of  antimony ;  analysis  of  ores  of  antimony ;  properties  of 
antimony ;  medicinal  preparations  of  antimony. 

Oxyde  of  Bismuth,  bismuth  ochre. — Mineralogical  history 
of  bismuth  ;  analysis  <ff  ores  of  bismuth ;  properties  of  bis- 
muth ;  medicinal  preparations  of  bismuth. 

Oxyde  of  Cobalt,  black  cobalt  ojf . — Mineralogical  histo- 
ry of  cobalt ;  analysis  of  ores  of  cobalt ;  properties  of  cobalt ; 
«;conomIc  uses  of  cobalt. 

Oxyde  of  Mercury,  native, — 3Iineralogical  history  of  mer- 
cury ;  analysis  of  ores  of  mercury  ;  properties  of  mercury  ; 

TOL.  IV.  S 


138  Historical  Sktlch  of  Iht 

ned^mal  preparations  of  mefcury ;   method  of  detecting 
mercurial  poisons  ;  economic  uses  of  mercury. 

Oxyde  of  Silver,  caUiform  silver  ore. — Mineralogical  his- 
tory of  silver  ;  extraction  of  silver  ;  analysis  of  ores  of  sil- 
TCr;  properties  of  silver ;  silvering;  plating;  method  of  se- 
parating silver  from  copper;  medicinal  preparations  of  sil- 
ver. 

Gold. — Mineralogical  history  of  gold;  analysis  of  ores  of 
gold  ;  properties  of  gold  ;  gilding  ;  plating ;  cupellation ; 
medicinal  preparations  of  gold. 

Platina. — Mineralogical  history  of  platina ;  propertie* 
and  uses  of  platina;  method  of  obtaining  pure  plating 

Tellurium. — Mineralogical  history  of,  &c.  The  same  of 
Nickel;  Uranium;  Osmium;  Tungsten;  Titanium;  Co- 
lumbium;  Cerium;  Palladium;  Iridium;  Rhodium. 

4th.  Of  the  combination  of  oxygen  with  the  metals  that 
produce  acids. 

Oxyde  of  Arsenic^  native. — Mineralogical  history  of  ar- 
senic ;  analysis  of  ores  of  arsenic  ;  proj)erties  of  arsenic ; 
method  of  detecting  arsenical  poison ;  medicinal  preparations 
of  arsenic. 

Oxyde  of  Chrome. — Mineralogical  history  of  chrome  ; 
analysis  of  ores  of  chrome ;  properties  of  chrome  ;  chro- 
mates. 

Molybdena,  Src 

Of  Oxygen  in  combination  with  hydrogen  and  nitro- 
gen. • 

Ammonia. — Methods  of  obtaining  ^monia;  propertie* 
of  ammonia. 

Of  Oxyiren  in  combmation  with  nitrogen  only. — Atmos- 
pheric air;  analysis  of;  its  chemical  and  physical  properties; 
nitrous  gas  ;  nitrous  oxyde ;  nitric  acid  ;  eudiometry ;  ni- 
trates. 


Collefre  of  Physicians  and  Surgeens,  New-York.  139 

Of  Oxygen  niilh  hydrotren  only. — Water,  Id  the  state  of 
ice  ;  in  the  fluid  slate  ;  in  the  state  of  gas. 

Of  Oxyirm  in  combination  with  carbon. — Carbonic  ox- 
yde:  carbonic  acid  ;  carbonates. 

Of  Oxy^vn  in  combination  with  sulphur, — Sulphurous  ox- 
yde  ;  sulphurous  acid  ;  sulphuric  acid;  sulphates;  sulphites; 
rulphurets  ;  sulphuric  a- ther. 

Of  Oxygen  in  combination  with  phosphorus. — Phosplio- 
rus  acid ;  phosphoric  acid  ;  phosphates ;  phosphites ;  phoB- 
phurets. 

Of  Hydrogen,  and  its  combination  with  simple  inflam- 
mables. 

Of  Hydrogen  in  combination  with  carbon. — defiant  gas  ; 
carburated  hydrogen. 

Of  Hydrogen  in  combination  xf'iih  sulphur. — Sulphurated 
hydrogen  ;  hydrosulphurets  ;  supersulphnrated  hydrogen, 
and  its  compounds.  « 

Of  Hydrogen  in  combinatioQ*  with  phosphorus. — Phos- 
phorated hydrogen  gas. 

Of  Muriatic  Acid. — Muriates  ;  met|Jic,  alkaline,  earthy. 

Of  Chlorine. — Hyperoxy  muriates ;  alkaline,  earthy,  bleach- 
lug. 

Of  Fluoric  Acid. — Fluates  ;  metallic,  akaline,  earthy. 

Of  Boracic  Acid. — Borates;  metallic,  alkaline,  earthy. 
Of  the  Chemical  Physiology  of  Vegetables, 

Of  Vegetation. — Germination;  the  food  of  plants ;  mo- 
tion of  the  sap ;  functions  of  the  leaves. 

Of  the  proximate  principles  of  Vegetables. — Of  gum  ;  of 
fecula ;  sugar ;  honey ;  gluten ;  gelatine ;  caoutchouc  ;  bird- 
lime ;  wax ;  fixed  oil ;  volatile  oil ;  camphor ;  resin ;  gum- 
resin  ;  balsam ;  extract. 

Of  Tannin. — Preparation  of  tannin  ;  combination  of  tannia 
with  gelatin ; — tanning  ; — with  alkalis ;  with  earths ;  with 
oxydes  j  with  acids ;  species  of  tannin. 


140  Historical  SkiicJi  of  the 

Of  Gallic  Acid. — Preparation  of  gallic  acid  ;  propcrtici 
of  gallic  acid  ;  gallates. 

Of  Pntssic  Acid. — Preparation  of  prussic  acid  ;  proper- 
ties of  prussic  acid;  prussiates. 

Of  Citric  Acid. — Preparation  of  citric  acid  ;  properties 
of  citrid  acid ;  citrates. 

Of  Malic  Acid. — Preparation  of  malic  acid  ;  properties 
of  malic  acid  ;  malates. 

Of  Ox.alic  Acid. — Preparation  of  oxalic  acid ;  properties 
of  oxalic  acid  ;  oxalates. 

Of  Tartaric  Acid. — Preparation  of  tartaric  acid  ;  proper- 
ties of  tartaric  acid ;  tartrites. 

Of  Acetic  Acid. — Preparation  of  acetic  acid  ;  properties 
of  acetic  acid ;  medicated  vinegars  ;  acetites  ;  acetic  aether. 

Of  ike  formation  of  Animal  Substances,  and  of  Animal 
Products. — Of  the  blood;  of  the  chyle  ;  of  the  Ijniph,  sa- 
liva, pancreatic  and  gast#ic  fluids ;  of  the  bile  and  biliary 
calculi;  of  urine,  urea,  afid  urinary  calculi;  of  fibrin;  of 
skin,  celular  fibre,  membrane,  tendon,  ligament,  cartilage, 
bone,  and  shell.       0 

Of  the  Functions  of  Animals. — Of  digestion ;  of  respira- 
tion ;  of  assimilation ;  of  the  decomposition  of  animal  bodies. 

The  Lectures  on  Chemistry  are  delivered  four  times  a 
week  throughout  the  session. 

KATURAL    HISTORY. 

The  subjects  of  this  extensive  course  are  divided  by 
Professor  Mitchill  into  distinct  heads,  after  the  following 
arrangement :  He  begins  with  the  history  of  the  earth,  as  a 
planet  or  integrant  portion  of  the  universe.  I.  It  is  divided 
into  four  parts  :  1.  Cosmogony,  embracing  the  doctrines  re- 
lative to  the  origin  of  the  world.  2.  Geognosif,  or  the  ac- 
count of  the  changes  it  has  undergone  in  the  chaotic  stale. 


College  of  Physkinns  and  Snr<feons,  New-YorL'.    I  II 

during  the  deluge,  and  aincc  that  event.  Its  constituent 
jmrts  viewed  under  five  divisions  ;  (a)  Primaeval,  or  sucii  as 
were  formed  at  the  creation,  or  deposited  from  chaos  imme- 
diately after,  such  as  syenite,  topaz  rock,  (jtiarlz-rock,  pri:ni- 
tive  (lint,  slate  granite,  gneiss,  micaceous  slalc,  argillaceous 
slate,  serpentine,  witli  primitive  lime-stone,  gypsum,  and 
trapp.  {())  Traiisifiont  or  such  as  were  formed  when  a  fur- 
ther subsidence  from  the  original  medley  of  things  took 
place,  of  which,  transitioa-lime-stone  and  trapp,  gray  wacke, 
flinty  slate,  and  transition  gypsum,  are  examples  :  (c)  Flat 
or  secondary,  to  wit,  sand  stone,  low  stratiGed  lime-stone, 
gypsum  and  trapp,  rock-salt,  chalk,  and  coal  :  (</)  Alluvial, 
formed  more  recently  still  by  settlement  from  water,  consti- 
tuting the  bottoms  of  valleys  and  level  spaces  between  moun- 
tains, as  well  as  the  chief  constituents  of  widely  extended 
plains,  (e)  Volcanic,  or  the  pro  ^ucts  of  subterraneous  fire, 
comprehending  lava,  slag,  ashes,  scoriae,  ^c.  In  this  ar- 
rangement, he  follows  the  system  of  the  distinguished  Ger- 
man, Professor  Werner.  He  is  a  firm  Neptunian,  and  ex- 
amines at  great  length,  the  operation  of  water  in  giving  con- 
figuration of  the  globe.  3.  Mineral ogical  Chemistry,  or  an 
explanation  of  the  properties  of  matter,  attractive  and  re- 
pulsive, by  which  its  different  forms  and  modifications  are 
effected.  4.  Physical  Geography,  or  an  account  of  the  ac- 
tual condition  of  the  globe,  as  to  land  and  water,  mountain 
and  valley,  continent  and  island,  mine  and  surface.  This 
section  of  the  course  is  denominated  Geology. 

II.  The  history  of  light,  as  the  most  copious  of  created 
existences,  and  occupying  the  widest  space  in  the  universe. 
It  is  considered  as  a  body  rendered  fluid  by  means  of  heat  ot 
caloric,  like  other  bodies,  and  like  them,  giving  out  its  heat 
on  its  decomposition.  A  review  is  given  of  the  modern  dis- 
coveries by  Bancroft,  Herschell,  Ritter,  and  AVolIaston, 
rendering  it  necessary  to  enlarge  and  reform  tjie  doctrines 


I 


1 42  Uhiorkal  Hkdch  of  Iht 

of  Newton,  and  inclining  bim  to  the  lielief,  that  the  sub- 
beam  consists  of  two  ingredients,  colour  and  mloric. 
TIence  is  deduced  a  tJieory  of  colour  and  heat  as  evolved 
from  light  by  its  decomposition,  and  iniparling  to  every  thing 
its  proper  hue  and  temperature.  White  is  considered  • 
chemical,  and  black  a  mechanical  assemblage  of  all  colours  ; 
and  Rnniford's  considcnttions  on  the  black  clothing,  furs  and 
skins  of  animals,  and  on  the  black  coating  of  other  bodies  in 
relation  to  heat,  are  exhibited  to  strengthen  this  argument. 
The  analogy  between  light  and  sound  is  traced,  to  show  the 
doctrine  embraced  by  some,  that  impulse  or  vibration  may 
be  of  great  efficacy  in  bringing  about  the  phenomena  of 
light.     This  part  of  the  course  is  termed  Pliotolos^i/. 

III.  Heat  is  next  considered,  and  its  natural  history  at- 
tempted. A  great  source  of  it  is  the  sun-beam,  or  chemical 
compound  of  colour  and  light.  Another  copious  source  of 
it  is  the  oxygenous  fluid  of  tiie  atmosphere,  or  phos-oxyge- 
Bous  gas  as  it  ought  to  be  called.  If  the  sun-beam  Ijecomes 
associated  with  oxygen,  it  forms  the  compound,  erroneously 
called  oxygenous  air.  It  is  really  a  solution  of  oxygen  in 
fluid  light,  and  on  the  resolution  of  this  compound  into  its 
constituent  parts,  heat,  light,  oxygen  and  colour  come  forth. 
After  considering  the  mechanical  and  chemical  tijeories  of 
fire,  a  preference  is  given  to  Pictet's  arrangement  of  the  facts 
under  four  heads,  to  wit,  the  free,  latent,  specific,  and  fixed 
forms  of  heat.  Its  effects  are  considered  as  producing  con- 
traction, expansion,  liquidity,  fluidity,  fusion,  and  as  the 
great  stimulus  to  vegetable  and  animal  life.  The  plutonic 
hypothesis  is  examined  and  rejected.  This  branch  of  the 
course  is  called  Pyruloffy. 

IV.  The  history  of  water  is  the  next  subject  of  Profes- 
sor Mitchill's  discussion.  It  is  the  great  agent  in  effecting 
the  changes  the  earth  has  undergone.  The  proofs  arc  sta- 
ted of  its  having  covered  the  moantaius,  and  of  its  separatioa 


College  of  Physicians  and  Sturgeons,  Xew-Vork.  143 

Croni  the  materials  with  which  it  was  anciently  blended, 
forming  thereby  the  stratification  illustrated  under  the  head  of 
Geology.  Reasons  for  supposing  the  waters  of  the  globq  to 
have  undergone  a  diminution  ;  1.  In  tlie  formation  of  CTrys- 
talline  bodies  ;  2.  In  the  constitution  of  the  atmosphere  ;  3% 
In  the  formation  of  plants  ;  and,  4.  In  the  organization  of 
animals.  By  these  processes,  an  immcnsily  of  the  water 
which  existed  at  the  flood  is  converted  into  solid  forms,  an4 
a  correspondent  shrinkin?;  of  the  ocean  lias  ensued.  In  these 
natural  and  easy  ways,  is  tjie  problem  solved,  which  the  in- 
genious Jamieson  gives  up  in  despair,  that  is,  what  has  be- 
come of  the  surplus  water  that  once  deludgcd  the  world  ? 
The  primitive  inundation  having  thus  subsided,  the  question 
is  examined,  whether  the  quantity  of  water  is  yet  diminishing, 
as  some  of  the  modern  philosophers  think  ;  considerations  are 
ofTered  in  favour  of  such  a  belief,  in  consequence  whereof, 
preparation  is  making  for  the  final  consummation  of  terresr 
trial  affairs  by  fire.  Waters  apparently  rushed  from  the 
south,  according  to  Kirwan's  doctrine.  Questionable  whe- 
ther water  can  be  decomposed  as  the  fashionable  chemists 
think,  and  whether  it  is  not  an  element,  as  the  ancients  and 
Priestley  contended.  It  is  divisible  into  three  historical 
section.  1.  Salt  water,  such  as  saline  or  briny  fountains, 
the  ocean,  the  Mediterranean,  Euxine,  Caspian,  and  Judean 
seas  ;  and  the  Nitrian  and  Mexican  lakes.  2.  Fresh  water, 
such  as  the  fluid  of  rain,  dew,  snow,  and  hail  ;  spring  or 
fountain  water ;  river  water,  and  the  liquid  of  the  great 
American  lakes,  as  well  as  of  many  more  inland  collections 
of  water.  3.  IMineral  water,  such  as  the  acidulous  springs 
of  Ballstown,  charged  with  carbonic  acid  ;  the  sulphureous 
springs  of  Cliflon,  in  Ontario  county,  exhaling  hepatic  gas, 
tnd  deposing  brimstone  ;  the  thermous  springs  of  Lebanon, 
which  are  of  a  temperature  fitting  them  for  an  exquisite  bath; 
tlie  chalybeaite  sprinjii  of  many  places  in  our  granite  cou»« 


144  Tlislorical  Sketch  of  the 

try.  These  inquiries,  with  a  multitude  of  explanations  con- 
cerning tides,  currents,  alhivions,  and  solutions,  are  distin- 
guished hy  tl;c  title  of  Hj/drolnnry. 

V.  The  globe  having  been  thus  viewed,  as  to  its  geologi- 
cal structure,  the  effects  wrought  upon  il  by  light,  heat,  and 
colours,  and  lastly,  in  respect  to  the  alterations  it  has  sus- 
tained by  means  of  water,  the  next  view  taken  of  it  relates 
to  its  atmosphere.  The  idea  of  Lavoisier  is  here  adopted, 
that  every  thing  which  the  heat  of  its  surface  can  convert 
to  air  or  gas,  makes  a  portion  of  the  sphere  of  vapours  en- 
circling our  planet.  The  views  of  Professor  Mitchill,  re- 
lative to  the  atmosphere,  with  a  theory  of  the  winds,  and  an 
abundance  of  other  particulars,  are  summed  up  under  the 
name  of  Aerology. 

VI.  Mineralogy  is  the  sixth  division  of  the  subject,  and 
comprehends  the  classification  and  particular  description  of 
those  substances  that  were  mentioned  in  a  general  and  com- 
prehensive way,  under  the  head  of  Geology.  On  account  of 
the  very  recent  discoveries,  which  have  enriched  and  en- 
nobled science.  Professor  IMitchill  has  found  himself  obliged 
ftb  discard  the  quadruple  arrangement  of  minerals,  by  Berg- 
man, into  earths,  metals,  salts,  and  inflanjmables.  Although 
this  distribution  had  received  the  respectable  sanction  of 
Cronsledt,  Magellan,  Kirwan,  and  the  chief  of  the  modern 
worthies  who  have  cultivated  an  acquaintance  with  fossils, 
yet  its  incompatibility  with  the  present  state  of  facts  and 
observations  render  it  absolutely  improper  to  adhere  to  it 
any  longer.  TJiat  fourfold  classification,  was  the  most  scien- 
tific and  luminous  that  had  been  thought  of,  and  was  well 
worthy  of  the  fond  reception  it  met  with.  But  it  is  now 
time  to  change  it  for  a  better  ;  for  one  which  is  framed  and 
erected  on  the  actual  relations  of  minerals,  as  now  under- 
stood. The  arrangement  he  proposes  is  grounded  on  his 
swn  views  of  this  department  of  knowledge,   and  on   the 


CoUe^eof  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  New-York.    14& 

j)ene t  rating;  iliscoyeries  of  Professor  Davy.  Tlie  promiiicuL 
features  of  Micsc  joint  and  concurring  testimonies  are,  the 
relations  wliicii  mineral,  and  especially  metallic  bodies,  have 
to  Phluiyislon,  and  to  Oxi/iren:  (o  which  may  be  added, 
their  relations  to  Siiljjliin;  to  each  other,  and  lo  Acids. 

1.  Tiie  first  class  comprehends  minerals,  as  combined  wilk 
phlogiston,  (or  hydrogen.)  Among  these  are  the  metals  in 
tJieir  reduced  aitdr,  as  it  is  Icrrjied  ;  that  is,  the  one  in  which 
they  possess  splendour,  malleability,  and  ductility:  sulphur, 
in  its  ordinary  condition  ;  coal,  when  affording  flame  as  it 
consumes  ;  phospliorus,  when  burning  with  blaze  :  among  the 
metals,  it  is  projier  to  observe,  that  potash,  soda,  ammoniac, 
lime,  barytes,  magnesia,  alumina,  and  silex,  are  reckoned,  as 
well  as  the  substances  heretofore  ranked  as  metals. 

2.  In  the  second  class  are  contained  minerals,  as  combin- 
ed with  oxygen.  All  metallic  oxyds  and  acids  are  compre- 
hended in  this  division  ;  such  as  those  of  lead,  iron.  Sec.  as 
commonly  received,  and  likewise,  the  alkaline  salts  and 
earths,  argillaceous  and  siliceous  earths,  &.c.  in  their  state* 
wherein  they  commonly  exist,  making  tl>e  principal  and  solid 
materials  of  the  globe.  Modern  science  has  demonstrated 
that  these  are  chiefly  metallic  oxyds.  The  oxyds  of  car- 
bone  come  under  this  head  ;  including  all  the  modifications 
of  incombustible  coal. 

3.  Minerals  united  to  sulphur,  make  the  third  class;  con- 
stituting all  manner  of  pyrital   combinations  ;  all  sulphur* 
and  sulphurets  ;  and  iu  short,  every  one  of  the  nnmeroui 
combinations,  denominated  Ores,  by  intervention  of  brim 
stone. 

4.  Amalgams  and  Alloys  form  the  fourth  class  of  mineral 
bodies.  They  comprehend  all  the  mixtures  of  metallic  sub- 
stances with  each  other.  Tlius  glass  is  an  alloy  of  two  me- 
tals, potash  and  Hint ;  stone-ware  an  alloy  of  clay,  flint,  and 
iron,  under  other  modifications ;  and  the  like  applies  to  bricks, 

XOh.  IV,  T 


146  Historical  Sketch  of  the 

tiles,  and  other  mixtures,  heretofore  deemed  earths,  but  now 
siiown  to  be  metals.  All  the  alloys  of  the  metals,  as  usually 
understood,  such  as  the  mixtures  of  gold  and  silver,  &,c. 
with  copper,  mercury  Nic.  come  under  tiiis  head,  of  course. 
.').  Minerals,  as  related  to  acids,  make  a  fifth  class.  Of 
these,  the  acetates  of  lead  and  copper,  forming  the  sacclia- 
rum  saturni,  and  verdigris  of  the  sliops,  are  examples  ;  as 
are  also  tlie  sulphates  of  iron,  zinc,  lime,  barytes,  soda,  pot- 
ash, and  in  short  the  entire  section  of  the  salia  acido-metal- 
lica. 

VII.  Boianij  is  the  next  division  of  this  course.  It  com- 
prises all  the  vegetables  which  overspread  the  face  of  the 
earth,  under  two  great  aspects.  1.  Their  history  as  indivi- 
duals of  the  animated  creation,  including  their  origin  from 
seeds  and  germs,  through  the  whole  of  their  increase  to  their 
inflorescence  and  fructification,  and  the  formation  of  seeds 
and  germs  again.  This  comprehends  their  anatomical,  phy- 
siological, pathological,  and  economical  character  and  uses. 
2.  Their  Classification  ;  which  being  explained  according  to 
the  Sexual  or  Linnaean  arrangement,  is  too  well  understood 
to  be  here  enlarged  upon.  In  his  illustrations  of  this  part  of 
the  course,  the  professor  avails  himself  of  the  advautages  af- 
forded by  the  State  Botanic  Garden. 

VIII.  In  his  Zoology,  Professor  JVIitchill  follows  tlie 
plan  of  Cuvier,  as  explained  and  detailed  by  Dumeril.  The 
distribution  of  tiie  animal  race  into  the  nine  classes  of  Mam- 
malia, birds,  reptiles,  fishes,  molluscas,  Crustacea,  insectsi, 
worms,  and  zoophytes,  seemed  preferable  to  any  other,  be- 
cause it  embraces  both  their  anatomical  structure  and  their 
external  characters.  For,  by  thus  seizing  all  the  points  of 
resemblance  wliich  the  outward  form  and  inward  organization 
afford,  animals  of  similar  natures  may  be  grouped  together  ; 
while  by  noting  all  the  circumstances  of  discriminatiorr^ 
that  external  and  internal  marks  present,  the  creatures  of 
dissimilar  configuration  and  appearance  may  be  kept  asaoeki'. 


tloUegc  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  New-York.    I  Ay 

Xn  this  copious  and  fertile  field  of  discussion,  the  human  race 
is  considered.  lie  distributes  the  single  species,  man,  as 
descended  from  the  first  original  pair,  into  six  races:  1.  The 
Caucasian  or  European.  2.  Hyperborean  or  Laplander. 
.*}.  The  Mongol  or  Tartar.  4.  Tije  American ;  that  is,  the 
South  American.  .0.  The  Mahiy  or  Philippine ;  and  6.  The 
Ethiopian  or  Negro.  As  to  the  Aborigines  of  North  Ame- 
rica, he  considers  them  as  composed  chiefly  of  two  races  : 
Ihe  Hyperborean,  No.  2.  which  came  in  by  the  route  of 
Greenland,  and  the  arctic  regions  from  the  east :  and  of  the 
Tartar,  No.  3.  which  entered  by  the  way  of  Alaska,  Trom 
the  west.  And  he  supposes  that  tlie  genuine  American 
form  and  feature,  are  only  to  be  found  in  the  souths 

IX.  The  ninth  and  last  division  ef  this  course,  is  termed 
limnology.  As  in  the  former  sections,  terrestrial  objects 
are  treated  of  at  great  lengtli ;  so  in  this,  it  is  intended  to  ex- 
hibit what  is  known  of  the  Heavens.  It  is  comprehended 
Under  three  heads,  to  wit  :  1.  The  history  of  the  Coperni- 
can  system  ;  comprehending  the  sun,  the  planets,  satellites, 
asteroids,  and  comets  :  2.  An  account  of  the  sidereal  sys- 
tem, or  of  the  fixed  stars  which  constitute  the  celestial  fir- 
mament, of  worlds  innumerable,  distributed  through  immea- 
surable space,  according  to  Herschell's  researches  :  and,  3. 
The  way  in  which  stars  were,  among  the  pastoral  tribes  of 
Asia,  parcelled  into  constellations  ;  and  particularly  how,  for 
the  purpose  of  tracing  and  describing  in  a  clearer  manner 
the  sun's  course  along  the  ecliptic,  the  zodiac  was  invented. 
Dr.  MiTCHiLL  concludes  with  the  history  of  the  twelve 
signs  ;  and  professes  his  endeavour  to  infuse  in  his  dis- 
courses, as  much  as  he  possibly  can,  of  the  spirit  which  ani- 
mates the  writings  of  Ray,  Derham,  Smellie,  Fontenelle, 
Pluche,  and  Saint  Pierre. 

The  Lectures  on  Natural  History,  commence  the  be- 
ginning of  May,  and  are  delirereil  daily  far  nearly  tliree 
months. 


143  flisloyical  Sketch  offUr 

CHARTER  OF  THE  COLLEGE, 

TV'hbbeas  since  the  establislimeot  of  tlie  Collecf  op  Phtsi- 
fiiANs  AND  Surgeons,  of  this  slate,  by  charter,  dated  March  the 
Iwelfil),  one  thonsanrl  cijht  luindred  and  seven,  it  has  brfii  found 
necessary  at  several  times  to  ahcr  and  ammd  the  said  charier: 
And  whereas  il  lias  now  become  expedient  for  the  belter  govern- 
ment of  the  said  Collcj^e  to  collect  into  one,  the  original  and  supple- 
Dientaiy  charters,  and  to  amend  the  same  so  as  to  give  greHter  sta- 
bility and  respectability  to  that  institution ;  Therefore  be  it  ordain- 
ed, by  virtue  of  the  act,  eiitilh  d,  "  An  Act  to  cnnble  the  Regent* 
of  the  University  to  establish  a  College  of  Physicians  an» 
SouctEons  within  this  state,"  passed  the  24th  of  March,  1791,  and 
Ave  do  by  these  presents  ordain,  grant,  and  declare,  Tfiat  all  such 
persons  named  iu  the  original  charier,  who  did,  according  to  an 
ordinance  passed  by  us  the  Regents  of  the  University  of  the  state 
of  New-York  on  the  3d  day  of  March,  1808,  declare  in  writing, 
(oh  or  before  the  first  day  of  May,  iu  the  year  1808,)  their  acccpl- 
aoce  of  the  appointment  of  member  or  trustee  of  the  said  College; 
and  that  they  would  each  of  them,  to  the  best  of  their  abilities,  en- 
deavour to  promote  the  usefulness  of  the  said  College,  and  faith- 
fully execute  the  duties  required  of  them  respectively  as  membetv 
or  trustees  of  the  said  College,  together  v,i(h  Smmtel  Bard,  Ben- 
jamin De  fVitl,  John  Augiistinc  Smith,  David  Hosack,  William 
James  M' IS  even,  Samuel  L.  Mitchell,  John  D.  Jaques,  Thomas 
Addis  Emmcl,  Lt/man  Spalding,  Andrew  Morton,  Andrew  Hunt, 
and  Joseph  Blood^ood,  be,  and  hereby  are  constituted  a  body  cor- 
porate and  politic,  iu  fact  and  in  name,  by  the  name  of  the  "  Col- 
lege of  Physicians  andSuugeons  in  the  city  of  New- York."* 
And  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  perpetual  succession, 
and  by  that  name  shall  be  iu  law  capable  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead, 
and  be  impleaded,  answer  and  be  answered  unto,  defend  and  be 
defended  in  all  courts  and  places,  and  in  all  matters  and  cause* 
Avhatsoever;  and  to  purchase,  take,  hold,  and  enjoy,  and  have 
lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments,  and  real  estate  in  fee  simple 
or  for  term  of  years,  or  lives,  or  any  other  manner  whatsoever  ;  and 
also  good?,  chattels,  books,  money  and  all  other  things  of  w  hat  na» 


College  of  Physicians  and  Sturgeons^  Neiv-Y'ork.    149 

fure  soever  :  Provided  ahrm/s,  tliat  such  estate,  as  well  real  as  pcr- 
«onaI,  which  the  said  College  is  and  hereby  are  authorized  to  hold, 
shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  filt)  thousand  tlol- 
lars,  current  money  of  this  state;  and  that  the  merahers  or  trustees 
of  the  said  Colle;;e  shall  have  a  common  seal,  and  may  alter  and 
renew  the  same  at  pleasure.  And  be  it  further  ordained,  {^ranted, 
and  declared,  that  Samuel  Bard,  Lcnjamin  Dc  H'iU,  John  Augus- 
tine Smith,  David  Hoak,  William  James  M'Ncvcn,  Samuel  L. 
Mitchi.'l,  John  D.  Jaques,  Thomas  Addis  Emmet,  Li/man  Spatdingy 
Andrew  Morton,  Andrew  Hunt,  and  Joseph  Bloodgood,  and  such 
other  persons  as  we  or  our  successors  may  licreaftcr  appoint,  pro- 
vided i\\Q  whole  number  shall  not  at  any  time  exceed  tweutylive, 
shall  be  trustees  of  the  said  College  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons, and  that  a  majority  of  their  whole  number  at  any  time  re- 
sident in  the  city  of  New- York,  shall  form  a  quorum  for  the  trans- 
action of  business,  and  shall  and  may  meet  together  on  the  first 
Tuesday  iu  May,  and  on  the  first  Tuesdays  in  August,  Novem- 
ber and  February  iu  every  year,  and  that  on  the  days  of  these  an- 
niversary and  quarterly  meetings,  but  at  no  other  time,  the> ,  the 
said  trustees,  may  enact  such  by-laws,  rules  and  regulations  relative 
to  the  affairs  and  property  of  the  said  College,  and  relative  to  the 
duties  of  their  president,  vice-president,  professors,  treasurer,  re- 
gistrar, and  other  members  as  they,  or  a  majority  of  them  bo  met  at 
such  annual  or  quarterly  meetings,  may  think  fit  and  propei  :  Pro- 
i>ided,  that  such  by-laws,  rules  and  regulations  be  not  contrary  to, 
or  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  this  state  or  the 
United  Slates ;  and  such  by-laws,  rules,  and  regulations,  having 
first  received  our  consent  and  approbation,  and  confirmation,  shall 
be  and  remain  the  by-law?,  rules,  and  regulations  by  which  the 
said  College  shall  be  governed,  and  shall  not  be  annulled,  abro- 
gated, or  repealed  but  by  and  with  the  consent  of  the  majority  of 
the  trustees  of  the  said  College,  and  by  ami  with  the  approbation 
of  us  the  said  Regents.  And  the  Registrar  of  the  said  College 
shall  provide  a  book  in  which  he  shall  make  an  entry  of  all  the 
resolutions  and  proceedings  which  may  be  had  from  time  to  time, 
■jijd  also  the  anuuul  reports  relative  to  llni  -:tate  of  Hie  treasury. 


m 


1  jO  Historical  Sketch  of  Uie 


and  all  such  ollior  tiling's  as  a  majoiity  of  ihc  tmstccs  of  the  Col- 
lege assembled,  sli:ill  think  proper;  lo  which  any  me  mbcr  of  the 
Coll(;ge  may  at  any  lime  have  recourse :  and  the  same,  together  with 
all  books,  papers,  and  reconls  which  may  be  in  the  hands  of  the 
registrar,  and  be  the  propeily  of  the  College,  shall  be  delivered  to 
bis  successor  in  office.  And  the  treasurer  of  the  said  College  stial 
receive  and  be  accountable  for  all  monies  which  shall  come  iuto  his 
hands,  and  shall  pay  the  same  in  such  manner  as  may  be  directed 
by  a  majority  of  the  board  of  trustees,  convened  at  their  aoniver- 
sary  or  quarterly  meetings,  and  by  a  warrant  for  that  purpose  sign- 
ed by  the  president  or  vice  president.  And  he  it  htrdty Jurther 
erdaineil,  granted,  and  declared  by  us,  that  the  trustees  of  the  said 
College  shall,  as  far  as  ihey  arc  able  at  all  times,  provide  suitable 
apartments  or  lecturing  rooms  for  all  such  professors  a?  shall  here- 
after be  appointed  by  us  in  and  for  the  said  College,  vhich  Pro- 
fessors shall  have  the  stile  and  title  of  Professors  of  the  University 
of  the  state  of  IsTew-York,  for  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons  :  and  that  all  the  members  of  the  said  College  shall  be 
privileged  at  all  times  to  attend,  inspect,  and  notice  all  lectures 
or  other  modes  of  teaching  by  Professors  in  the  said  Colh^ge,  ap- 
pointed by  us ;  and  that  io  case  of  the  death,  or  resignation  of  any 
professorship,  or  other  vacancy  in  the  said  College,  a  majority  of 
the  trustees,  at  any  of  their  meetings,  may  appoint  lecturers  in  any 
branch  of  medicine,  or  of  the  sciences  connected  thercvrilh,  until 
such  time  as  our  pleasure  be  known  respecting  the  same,  or  a  pro- 
fessor be  appointed  by  us.  And  be  it  hereby  further  ordained^ 
granted,  and  declared,  that  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  said  Col- 
lege, as  well  as  the  subordinate  board  of  President  and  Professors, 
shall  carry  and  put  into  effect  all  our  ordinances  respecting  the 
said  College,  as  well  with  respect  to  education  as  all  other  matters 
and  ihiugs,  afid  shall  pay  due  attention  to  establishing  and  pre- 
serving, for  the  use  of  the  said  College,  an  anatomical  museum, 
chemical  apparatus,  and  botanical  garden,  and  shall  make  an  an- 
nual report  to  us  in  writing,  or  to  the  Chancellor  of  the  University, 
in  the  month  of  January,  in  every  year,  respecting  the  luuds  and 
property  of  the  said  College,  and  all   matters  and  things  relative 


College  of  Physicums  and  Stire^eons,  New-York.    151 

to  the  said  Collogc  and  the  Sliidoiils  and  Proft^ssnrs  llineof.  And 
he  ii  further  ordained.  That  the  President  or  VicoPrcsidrut,  or  in 
the  absence  of  both,  the  sonlor  Professors,  anrl  any  iluce  of  ihe 
trustees,  may  at  any  time  call  a  mrriinj;  of  the  trustees  of  the  said 
College  for  the  transaction  of  ordinary  business,  by  givin";  id 
■  li  ing,  to  each  Iriistrc,  who  shall  bo  in  the  city  of  IV(;wYork, 
J)i«  e  days  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  holding  the  said  meet- 
ing; and  that  five  of  the  said  trustees  so  met,  (of  whicli  the  Presi- 
dent, Vice-President,  or  senior  Professor  shall  always  he  one,)  shall 
be  a  quorum.  And  be  itjurthcr  ordained.  That  Hamuel  Bard,  !M.  D. 
shitU  be  President  of  the  said  College;  and  that  Benjamin  De 
rrV/f,  M.  D.  shall  be  Vice  President  ;  and  \h^i  John  Au<i;itsline 
Shirth^  M.  D.  shall  be  Professor  of  Anatomy,  Surgery,  and  lMi>si- 
ology ;  and  tliat  David  Hosack,  M.  D.  shall  be  Professor  of  the 
Tlieory  and  Practice  of  Physic  and  Clinical  Mrdicine ;  and 
that  William  James  M'Neven,  M.  D.  shall  be  Professor  of  Chemis- 
try ;  and  ihat  Sa7nuel  L.  MitcUll,  M.  D.  shall  be  Professor  of  Na- 
tural History ;  and  that  JohnD.  Jaqves,  shall  be  Treasurer;  and 
that  Jo/t/i  W.  Francis,  M.  D.  shall  be  Registrar  of  the  said  College, 
and  accordingly  they  are  hereby  respectively  appointed  to  the 
stations  and  offices  as  annexed  to  their  names.  And  we  do  further 
ordain,  give,  and  grant  to  the  said  College,  that  we  will  constitute 
and  appoint  no  new  Professorship  in  the  said  College,  or  abrogate 
or  annul  any  of  the  present  Professorships,  nor  remove  either  of  the 
Professors  of  the  said  College  now  appointed  or  to  be  hereafter  ap- 
pointed, until  notice  shall  have  been  given  to  the  board  of  trus- 
tees of  such  intended  new  appointment,  or  abrojjation,  or  to  the  per- 
son intended  to  be  removed,  of  such  intended  removal,  at  least  one 
month  before  such  intention  shall  be  carried  it)to  effect.  And  be 
it  further  ordained,  That  it  shall  be  the  duly  ol  the  President  and 
Professors  of  the  University  for  the  College  of  Physicians 
AND  Surgeons,  at  any  ordinary  meetings  appointed  for  that  ex- 
press purpose,  and  of  which  meeting  the  trustees  of  the  said  Col- 
lege shall  have  notice  and  may  attend,  to  examine  all  candi<latC8 
for  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  in  the  said  College,  and  to 
recommend  from  lime  to  lime  such  students  as  a  majority  of  the 
Ijtisices  present  shall  deem  qnalilicd  and  worthy  to  receive  the 


I.jC  JUstorical  Skelchy  ^-c. 

degree  of  Doctor  of  .^Icdiciuc.     And  llic  Regents  do  hereby  f^yr 
and  prant  to  the  said  College,  that  they  will  lake  into  coiisii 
tioii  the  propijety  of  giaatiiig  diplomas,  for  conferring  tlie  <'i 
of  Doctor  nf  Medicine  upoD  such  students  as  shall  be  so  i< 
mended,  and  to  none  other  of  the  sludcois  of  the  said   C»  I 
Finally,   Ji'e  Jo  ordavi,  grant,  and  declare,  that  the  said  tui 
fellows,  and  memtxirs  of  tlie  College  op  Physicians  and  h'  k- 
GEONsin  the  city  of  New-York,  and  their  successors  forcv<  r,       ' 
enjoy  all  the  corporate  rights,  privileges,  and  ininmuiiies  uhiti 
liereby  granted :  And  that  the  by-laws,  ordinances,  and  regulatiuns 
heretofore  passed  by  us,  and  ordained,  and  which  not  having  U-^a 
repealed,  and  which  are  not  repealed  by  this  charier,  but  are  imw 
in  force,  shall  continue  to  be  the  by  laws,  ordinances,  and  reg>ii:i 
tions  for  the  government  of  the  said  College,  until  they  shal.    •< 
repealed,  or  new  ones  ordained,  according  to  the  tenor  and  t  (ii- 
nances  of  this  charter ;  and  all  other  laws,  ordinances,  and  regu)  • 
lions,  and  all  former  charters  or  supplementary  charters  grantee'  by 
us  to  the  said  College  of  Physicians  and  Sirgkons  arehei- 1  f 
repealed. 

And  be  it  further  orfhiiud.  That  the  members  of  ihe  said  ■-  ! 
lege,  who  arc  not  by  this  charier  constituted  trustees,  shall  be  J'c- 
lows,  and  that  the  trustees  shall  have  power   to  elect  fellow*-  <.r 
membei-s  of  the  said  College,  who  shall  at  all  times  have  the  pii'  1- 
lege  of  attending  all  the  public  lectures  and  other  coursc-s  of    :i 
structiou  delivered  by  the  Professors  in  the  said  College,  and  v  ho 
shall  also  have  the  privilege  of  visiting  and  inspecting  the  anaic, 
cal  museum,  the  };oianic  garden,  the  cabinets  of  mineralogy 
natural  h'story  and  the  library  of  the  said  College,  under  si  cU 
regulations  as  the  trustees  shall  prescribe  for  that  purpose. 

In  tcsiimoiiy  whereof,   Ave  have  caused  our  common  real 

to  be  affixed  to  these  presents,  the  fourth  day  of  Juic. 

in  iho  }ear  of  our  Lord  one  ihousaud  eight  hundtcj 

and  twelve. 

(Signed;  DANIEL  D.  TOMPKINS 

Chancellor  of  the  University 
Tr.  BL00D(r00D,  Secretary/. 


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